New 2-day match format helps discover exceptional cricketing talent in city

Aurangabad: In a bid to develop a competent team of cricketers, Aurangabad District Cricket Association (ADCA) changed the format for selecting the district U-14 boys team.

The selection was held in a two-day match format instead of the twenty over matches. The concept is thought to have been executed for the first in the state.

As many as 150 U-14 players participated in teams of eight in matches held over the last 25 days. A tough scrutiny was put in to select the best 150 out of the 450 boys for the selection matches.

Coach and district level selection committee member Dinesh Kunthe said, “It is important to build a strong team at U-14 to build an efficient U-19 team.”

Another selector, Devidas Koli believes the unlimited over format helps budding cricketers build stamina.

Koli said, “Playing 90 overs a day is not easy but it provides boys an opportunity to play more cricket and prepare for the bigger game.”

He added, “We explained to parents and guardians how crucial this stage is and they were really excited about it too.”

The exercise was successful in bringing out some exceptional talent in the city. Thirteen-year-old Sagar Pawar managed to score an impressive 224 runs in one of the matches. Vansh Salgire (124), Avinash Muke (159), Sujal Rathod (103), Sarvesh Awcharmol (101) stood out for their tons. Hariom Kale, Bhushan Patil, Devrshi Bhavsar and Prashik Wagh delivered outstanding bowling performances.

The city recently completed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) U-19 women’s match for zonal selection. Unfortunately, no local cricketer could make it to the team.

“The ADCA has a year-long programme planned for district cricket that began in September this year. It also includes providing free training to girls, technical attention and hiring of a dedicated coach if required,” Koli said.