Mysore gets intl standard cricket academy

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is planning to set-up an international standard residential cricket academy at Alur near Bangalore, said KSCA president Anil Kumble.

He was speaking at the inauguration of Royal Challengers (RC) - KSCA Academy at Gangothri Glades stadium here on Sunday.

Revealing that it would probably be the first of its kind in the world, Kumble said KSCA was planning to convert one of existing three grounds in Bangalore into an indoor facility.

Speaking about the RC-KSCA Academy opened in the city, he said, “We don’t expect players practising here at the academy to make it to the state or national team in the next one year

It needs a gestation period, but dedication of players is important.” He said a gym and other facilities would be added shortly.

New pavilion

The academy has been provided with eight turf wickets and one concrete wicket. Also a new pavilion is being constructed at Gangothri Glades, which includes dressing rooms for participating teams, rooms for umpires and referees.

RC-KSCA Academy has selected 60 students from Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and K R Nagar. Four qualified coaches would impart training to the players during the next three years. Practise sessions would be held for four days and the remaining two days would be for balancing studies and playing matches.

KSCA secretary Javagal Srinath said cricket is a professional sport and players should lay emphasis on learning the technical nuances of the game. He said earlier cricket training was restricted to only Bangalore, but now KSCA has plans to make it available for players across the state, he added.

RC-KSCA Academy chairman G R Vishwanath said the practise wickets are ‘absolutely brilliant’ in the city. He urged the selected players of the academy to make the most of the opportunity.

University of Mysore vice-chancellor Prof V G Talawar inaugurated the RC-KSCA Academy. UoM director of physical education department C Krishna and KSCA Mysore zone convenor Vijayaprakash were present.