SAS NAGAR, MAY 16: The Mohali Cricket Association (MCA) has launched a cricket academy for the training of young and budding cricketers of SAS Nagar up to the age groups of 16 years.The MCA has been allotted the open space behind the PCA Stadium, SAS Nagar, where the association has laid six practice turf pitches and a turf wicket square for holding matches. The academy had a massive response from the local population and a batch of hundred trainees have registered itself for the coaching.The academy has been made operative by inducting the under trainees. The formal inauguration was done by M.P. Pandove, secretary of the PCA and former captain of Punjab team and national selector. The dignitaries present were D.P. Reddy president MCA, Mrs. Seema Jain A.C.A, Mohali, cricket Dronacharya Awardee D.P. Azad, chief PCA coach Daljit Singh, international umpire Jasbir Singh and MCA secretary G S Walia.The cricket nets and other equipment fixed in the ground is the same pattern and standard as is provided and fixed by PCA in its practice nets. The youngster would be provided with well maintained the grassy wicket which will help the players to develop proper strokes and give movement to the ball. It will inculcate in them the positive approach to the game. While addressing the boys M.P. Pandove advised them to keep some idol (cricketer) in mind and to keenly watch his videos and life performance , if available it will help in improving the techniques.MCA president D.P. Reddy while speaking on the occasion assured the trainees that there wont be any dearth of equipment and other playing accessories to the trainees.The MCA has also planned a Sunday league for the registered trainees to provide much desired competition and practice to the players.Meanwhile, the PCA technical committee has introduced a minor districts cricket tournament to tap the talent and provide much needed off season practice to the players of the minor districts, according to M P Pandove. The matches will begin on May 24 at different venues of the district headquarters.The winners of the tournament will compete along with major district teams in the senior group for the Katoch Shield starting in the first week of June.The following is the draw of the minor district tournament:May 24 and 25: Bathinda vs Ferozepur at Bathinda (umpires Raj Kumar Mandora and Sarabjit Singh Rosy).Sangrur vs Mohli at SAS Nagar (Umpires Tony Lamba and Antar Atam. Kapurthala vs Hoshiapur at Hoshiarpur (umpires Hans Raj and Y P Tewari).Gurdaspur vs Ropar at Ropar (umpires Savinder Batish and Satinder Kohli).Semi-finals: May 27 and 28: Match No. 1 vs Match No. 2 at SAS Nagar (YP Tiwari and Antar Atam) and Match No. 3 vs Match No. 4 at Hoshiapur (Raj Mandora and Sarabjit).Final: At SAS Nagar (Arun Sharma and YP Tiwari).
