Where cricketing dreams take wing

Since its inception in 2008,the PCMC-Vengsarkar Varroc Academy has been a nurturing ground for budding cricketers from Pimpri-Chinchwad. A joint initiative of former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC),the academy functions at the cricket ground set up by the PCMC in Thergaon.

Around 150 players can be found practising daily at the indoor facility on the ground. They come not only from Pimpri Chinchwad but also from the Pune city areas. These players turn out in under-14,under-16 and under-19 tournaments. Three from different categories have found place in the state team.

Vengsarkar said the academy was set up in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the PCMC was keen on providing youngsters from the township an opportunity to play top-level cricket. “I am confident that one day,a player from the town will play international cricket.”

PCMC cricket coach Raju Kotwal,who also trains players at the academy,said,“Vengsarkar is as committed as he was during his playing days. He regularly visits,spends time correcting batting faults of the players and guides them on becoming mentally strong.”

Vengsarkar has also roped in former India players Balwinder Singh Sandhu and Chandrakant Pandit to provide valuable tips to the youngsters. “Such veterans had never been to Pimpri-Chinchwad previously,” said Shiv Sena leader Shrirang Barne,who played a key role in setting up the garden and the academy. The ground has been leased out to the academy. ¿Merit is key at the selection trials. Only those with potential are picked. The current batch looks promising,¿ said Kotwal. The cricket kits are provided for free.

Rajendra Shelkhe,former PCMC player,said,¿For years,youngsters in Pimpri-Chinchwad had been demanding a better cricket facility. We never got it and lost out on a chance to make it big. The academy has provided today’s youngsters with a great opportunity.”