Cricket academy to come up in Srinagar with BCCI aid

Srinagar, Dec.25 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has commenced the setting up of the first cricket academy here with assistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The JKCA officials on Saturday said it is an effort to promote cricket in the State.

The budding cricketers of the valley will not only get an apt facility to learn and display their talent with the willow and the red cherry but also help the State to create a considerable number of jobs.

Owais Ahmad, a cricket enthusiast, said earlier there was no academy in Kashmir and this academy will lend a boost to the game in the State.

Youngsters of the State will get ample opportunities to excel in the game of cricket and get a chance to go and play outside the State.

Saleem Khan, secretary of JKCA, said the academy will be ready by March or April 2011.

"Although we are little late in the construction of this academy but God willing, by the March or April next year this stadium will be completed. Its infrastructure will be ready by end of this year. Some interior work will remain then. Academy plus gym and swimming pool will be ready soon," said Khan.

Once the academy becomes functional, budding cricketers and other enthusiasts of the state will get proper infrastructure and training facilities.

It will further enable JKCA to host national and international level matches at regular intervals. By Afzal Bhat (ANI)