Lara inaugurates MCL Academy for youngsters
dubai — Former West Indian great Brain Lara inaugurated the Masters Cricket League (MCL) Cricket Academy in Dubai on Friday. Dubai-based businessman Zafar Shah has provided the young cricket enthusiasts with a golden opportunity to learn the game in a proper way.
It is a state-of-the-art facility at Dubai College ground near Media City. The academy boasts of modern equipment to help the youngsters learn the game in a more scientific way. A large number of cricket fans attended the ceremony and they mingled with Lara, former Pakistani greats Ejaz Ahmed and Abdul Razzaq.
The facility has eight pitches (five turf and three mat). Muzaffar Iqbal (curator) has been brought from Gujranwala (Pakistan) to prepare the pitches and he said: “These are
Qualified coaches will teach the tricks of the game and we have plans to invite big names occasionally.” Zafar Shah, MCL chairman
the fastest pitches in the region which are prepared in six-month period. It will help players to learn how to play on fast pitches.”
The pitches were prepared under the supervision of former UAE umpire Tariq Butt. It is an ideal location to host night matches.
“It is one of the best cricketing infrastructures in the UAE and many parents have already made their mind to enrol their kids. It is a good addition to turf grounds in the UAE and will help the game grow in the region,” Butt said.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Zafar, the chairman of the MCL said: “It is my vision to expand the game in the UAE in a more scientific way. “We will provide the latest equipment and nip the shortcomings of the youth in the bud. We will introduce biometric system and speed gun will be used. Fielding is going to be the main focus in our training because it plays a key role in deciding matches in Twenty20 cricket.
“Qualified coaches will teach the tricks of the game and we have plans to invite big names occasionally.”
Zafar added: “The facility is open to everyone and I hope teams participating in the Pakistan Super League (starting on Feb 9) will utilise this for their practicing purposes.”
While answering a question about the MCL tournament Shah said: “Launching this academy in the name of MCL means that the tournament is on and will be staged soon. We are in touch with cricket boards around the world to find a slot for the tournament to avoid the clash of dates with the PSL. We have plans to host the MCL soon after PSL.”