Key Facts
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad announced on Saturday that the association is taking concrete steps to identify and nurture cricketing talent from moffusil (non-metropolitan) areas. The launch of KSCA Academy and summer coaching camps across the state marks the beginning of this initiative.
Details of the Initiative
Speaking to presspersons in Hubballi, Prasad said that in the coming days, KSCA plans to introduce programmes that will provide year-long coaching to selected young cricketers from moffusil centres. He emphasized that the Maharaja Trophy teams have been chosen from a pool of 160 talented cricketers, and each franchise will have at least two players from its catchment area.
“More players from beyond Bengaluru would definitely get opportunities based on their performance,” Prasad stated, highlighting the association’s commitment to decentralizing cricket development.
Maharaja Trophy and Infrastructure Upgrades
Hubballi is set to host the second leg of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament from June 27. Prasad noted that requisite infrastructure developments have been undertaken at the KSCA stadium in Rajnagar, including the installation of new LED flood lights. The first leg is being played in Mysuru, and the final leg will be held in Bengaluru.
M.S. Keshava, chairman of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Governing Council, said that tickets in Hubballi and Mysuru will be priced between ₹100 and ₹200. He also revealed that preparations for the Maharani Trophy (women's tournament) are underway, with four teams set to participate in Bengaluru.
Impact and Future Plans
Prasad added that the Dharwad Zone of KSCA has earned appreciation for successfully conducting the Ranji Trophy finals. Veeranna Savadi, convenor of the KSCA Dharwad Zone, informed that work on the KSCA stadium in Gadag will begin soon as fresh tenders have been floated.
The association’s focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities is expected to provide a platform for young cricketers from smaller towns to showcase their talent and potentially represent Karnataka at higher levels.
What Readers Should Know
- KSCA is actively scouting talent from beyond Bengaluru through coaching camps and the Maharaja Trophy.
- Hubballi will host the second leg of Maharaja Trophy from June 27 at the upgraded KSCA stadium.
- At least two players from each franchise's catchment area will be included in the teams.
- Tickets for matches in Hubballi and Mysuru are affordably priced between ₹100 and ₹200.
FAQ
What is the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20?
It is a T20 tournament organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association featuring teams representing different regions of Karnataka.
Where will the second leg of Maharaja Trophy be held?
The second leg will be held in Hubballi at the KSCA stadium in Rajnagar, starting June 27.
What are KSCA's plans for moffusil cricketers?
KSCA plans to launch year-long coaching programs for talented young cricketers from moffusil centres and ensure at least two players from catchment areas in each Maharaja Trophy team.
Source: www.thehindu.com