DUBAI Junior cricketers of the ICC Academy are all set for a two-month tour to the United Kingdom starting this month, which will give them much-valued international experience.
Apart from playing quality matches against the local clubs, the junior teams called the Warriors will also participate in the prestigious English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA) cricket festival at the famous Kings’ College in Taunton, Somerset. A total of 41 players split into three groups (Under-11, Under-13 and Under-14) have been training rigorously under the watchful eyes of the ICC Academy coaches ahead of the tour.
ICC Academy Head of Development and former Pakistan international cricketer Mudassar Nazar, who will be overseeing the tour, said: “We think it’s crucial our young players develop their cricketing skills, not just at ICC Academy, but overseas as well.
“The UK is home to some of the best cricket clubs in the world and the lessons our players will learn are sure to help them develop as cricketers. However, going on tour isn’t just about cricket, we think the skills they’ll learn away from home will help them grow as individuals too,” he added.
During their time in Taunton, the Warriors will play against same age group teams from several First Class County Cricket Clubs, including Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Essex. ICC Academy manager Will Kitchen said: ‘’Touring plays a key role in our Warriors’ coaching programme. Having been received so positively by players and parents alike last year, we are very keen to return to the UK this summer.’’
“Whilst our players get to sample the world class facilities here at ICC Academy regularly, the experience they will get from playing in the UK will make a big impression and I’m sure the number of young players we enable to play overseas will continue to grow.”
In addition, the ICC Academy Adult Warriors will be travelling to Leicestershire to play games against local club sides.
