Sharjah was one of the best tournaments, says Azharuddin

Dubai - Former Indian captain trains Dubai youngsters

Aspiring youngsters of Kricket's Spero academy in Dubai had the chance of a lifetime to learn skills from Mohammad Azharuddin recently in Dubai.
Azharuddin, hailed as one of the most graceful batsmen in the history of the game, was invited by the academy to teach their students some of his magical skills.
The former India captain also attended the first anniversary celebrations of the academy in which he felicitated their team that won the Shyam Bhatiya tournament and also unveiled their new jersey.
Azhar, the only man to have scored three Test centuries in first three Test matches, was impressed by some of the youngsters in the Kricket's Spero academy.
"My coaching sessions were very good. Some of the boys I have coached here were really good. I think they lack proper opportunities and world class coaching facilities," Azhar told Khaleej Times.
"But the regular coaches here have done a good job. They played first class cricket in India. So they obviously understand the game. From what I saw, they have done a good job in the academy and the youngsters.
"And I am very happy that they invited me to spend some time with them. Some of the boys have the potential to play for the UAE in future," Azhar added.
Backed by Kerala Cricket Association, four former Indian first class cricketers joined hands last year to start Kricket's Spero academy in Dubai Men's College.
Now they have set up their own facilities at Al Nasr Club.
In the past, former India players like Vijay Bhardwaj and Sunil Joshi visited the academy. But it's the first time that they roped in a legendary name like Azhar.
Azhar, of course, is no stranger to the UAE as he played 62 of his 334 one-day international matches at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

"I have fond memories of Sharjah. I think they had one of the finest tournaments of the time," Azhar said.
"And the nicest thing the Sharjah orgasiers did was that they organised the Cricketers Benevolent Fund Series. It helped so many former international cricketers financially. Some of those players were going through a tough time financially that time.
"So it was a really nice gesture from the Sharjah cricket organisers," said Azhar who scored 1660 runs in 62 ODI matches with one hundred (average 34.58) in Sharjah.
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com