Cricket: Faraazuddin impresses on UK tour for YTCA

Young Talents Cricket Academy during England tour

Playing in English conditions is never easy. But the Young Talents Cricket Academy (YTCA) returned back from the UK tour after winning nine of their ten T20 and 40-over matches against top-level clubs and academies.
YTCA's U-17 captain Mohammed Faraazuddin was the pick of the players on the tour. He impressed the English crowd with a brilliant ton. His unbeaten 121 was studded with 13 boundaries and it came in only 104 balls in their 40 over game.
He had another half century to his name apart from bagging 10 wickets on the tour.
"The first game was quite tough, even though we lost, it was a closely contested game. However we ended up winning all other games because we could adjust to the conditions quickly," said Faraazuddin, who was adjudged the U-17 player of the tournament.
Geoff Cook, Director of Cricket at Durham County, said: "It's one of the best centuries I have seen by a 15-year-old, his technique and maturity is top class."
Opener and captain Mahith Fonseka earned the top prize in the U-13 category.
"We are very proud and happy to complete our 16th consecutive tour to UK, our aim and commitment is to provide all our players the best possible experience," said Shahzad Altaf, Managing Director of YTCA.
"We are here to provide the right platform for all players to become professional and stay on top for all future cricket events in UAE. We already have many YTCA players playing in UAE National and Youth teams. We are willing to provide every possible help from our end, including future scholarships and high performance training in UK, India and Sri Lanka," said YTCA Head Coach, Vishan Fernando during the tour.

Award winners
U-17
Player of the tournament: Mohammed Faraazuddin
Best batsman: Shawn George
Best bowler: Sanchit Sharma
Best fielder: Safwan Ahmed

U-13
Player of the tournament: Mahith Fonseka
Best batsman: Mathew George
Best bowler: Cherian George
Best fielder: Reza Abbas