In a landmark move to curb “selection politics” and nurture young talent, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has launched its own High-Performance Academy (HPA). This first-of-its-kind initiative signals a significant shift in how Delhi grooms its future cricket stars.
The HPA, established in partnership with the Delhi government, boasts a dedicated ground in north Delhi and features renowned coaches like Gursharan Singh, Parvinder Awana, and Devendra Sharma.
Drawing inspiration from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the academy aims to provide year-round training and monitoring for players across various age groups.
DDCA Academy addressing deep-rooted issues
DDCA President Rohan Jaitley acknowledges to TOI, the “embarrassing display” of Delhi teams in recent domestic seasons and attributes it, in part, to “deep-rooted problems” in player selection. The HPA is a direct response to these concerns, aiming to eliminate “selection politics” by creating a transparent talent pool based on merit and consistent monitoring.
Rohan Jaitley emphasizes the need for a structured system to nurture talent throughout the year and vows to eliminate the confusion and interference that often plague team selections.
The HPA will ensure all players are evaluated on their skills and performance, not their connections.
The academy welcomes players of all age groups, providing them with a platform to hone their skills under expert guidance. Even established senior players can utilize the facilities during the off-season, fostering a cohesive cricketing ecosystem.
Age fraud allegations surface:
Amidst the excitement surrounding the HPA, a complaint has been lodged against U-19 player Anirudh Sharma, alleging age fraud.
This incident highlights the importance of transparent selection processes and the challenges the DDCA faces in addressing past issues.
Building a Brighter Future:
The launch of the HPA marks a turning point for Delhi cricket. By prioritizing meritocratic selection, providing consistent training, and nurturing young talent, the DDCA strives to build a strong foundation for future success. While challenges remain, this initiative offers a beacon of hope for Delhi’s cricketing aspirations.
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