Rajasthan Royals start cricket academy in Guwahati

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: As part of its commitment to harnessing potential and grooming young talent across lndia, Rajasthan Royals, in partnership with the Assam Cricket Association, today announced the launch of the State Cricket Academy here in Guwahati.

It will be the first academy in the North East for IPL franchise and is based at ACA Stadium, Barsapara. It will cater to young cricketers- both men and women-across Assam and other north-eastern states.

Commenting on the partnership and the opportunities it brings to all parties, Rajasthan Royals Chairman, RanjitBarthakur said: "Development has always been the essence of Rajasthan Royals and this partnership with the ACA is yet another step in the right direction. l'm delighted to start our North East journey by setting up this academy in Guwahati. With our partnership with ACA, we aim to keep the whole of the North-east in mind, wherein we aim to bring in around 1000 cricketers through the system, who will be capable of playing at the highest level with inputs from the RR team."

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) will be in charge of the day-to-day operations including the management of the resources. The ACA will also build the infrastructure for the academy which will include the ground and the other requisite facilities. On the other hand Rajasthan Royals will provide the best support staffs and coaches who will train the local young cricketers. They have also planned to train the local coaches.

The Assam Cricket Association has expressed their delight at this partnership. RomenDutta, president of the association, said that the prized partnership would go a long way in producing quality cricketers from Assam. He also shed light on the various ambitious infrastructural projects being taken up by Assam Cricket Association across the State for the development of the game.

DevajitSaikia, secretary, Assam Cricket Association in his brief speech in the function said, "ACA-RR tie up is going to boost our skill development programme for budding as well as frontline cricketers of Assam as RR's youth development and talent search programme is a success story. Hope boys of Assam and the entire North East will reap major benefits from this endeavour of ACA."

Among others present in the function were: Ganesh DuttChugh, Technical Director, State Cricket Academy, Mike Fordham, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals and Rajiv Khanna, Vice-President, Rajasthan Royal, RiyanParag along with several officials of the Assam Cricket Association.

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