Azad suggests radical changes in Zonal cricket academies

Chandigarh, May 22 (UNI) Cricket Dronacharya Desh Prem Azad has suggested some "radical improvements" in the functioning of the Zonal Cricket Academies at the PCA Stadium in Mohali and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.

In a communication to Chairman of the National Cricket Academy, Kapil Dev Nikhanj, Azad said "as desired I visited the zonal academies at Dharamshala from May 5 to 7 and Mohali on May 9 to 10.

I am suggesting some radical improvements in the functioning and selection of the trainees".

"I am sure that if these are implemented, the trainees will definitely make rapid progress and turn out to be the better players. After all this is the main aim of the National Cricket Academy." Azad's first suggestion is on video analysis. "I feel that there should be three video analysis--first at the beginning of the camp, Second at the middle of the camp and third at the conclusion of the camp," Mr Azad said in his letter to his former trainee Kapil Dev.

Azad was of the view that the present system of video analysis, at beginning and at conclusion of the camps needed to be given second thought.

Regarding selection criteria, Azad found that there was no proper split up of the trainees. He suggested that six fast bowlers, including left handers, should be included in the camp. Six spinners, including two right arm off spinners, two right arm leg spinners and two left arm spinners should be selected for the zonal academies, he suggested.

The camp should include two all-rounders, including one fast bowler and the other spinner, he added in his letter.

"I feel two wicket-keepers are very necessary. There should be nine batsmen, including four openers," Azad said in his letter.

Azad felt that at present emphasis was more on drills. This needs to be followed up by actual strokeplay, he suugested.

Four to five nets at each centre are "very insufficient and inadequate." Trainees can improve their skills if they use nets to ensure that they use correct postures and strokes", he suggested.

Azad was surprised that during the entire schedule of training, no mention had been made regarding "running between the wickets which is an art." Besides playing on different surfaces during the camp, the kits should be distributed at the start of the camp. At Dharamshala, according to Azad, the kit was distributed on May 5.

Azad concluded that trainees, coaches and other officials should be accommodated at one place, preferably in the stadium.

UNI