GCA is a unique project: Marsh

DUBAI - Former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh has done a great service to the world cricket by setting up Global Cricket Academy in Dubai.

By Liaqat Ali

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Published: Thu 11 Nov 2010, 11:49 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:46 AM

A bunch of youngsters has already joined the academy and started learning the tricks of the game.

The unique project has got everything the game needs and it has been set up on scientific lines. The indoor facility is a wonderful idea adjoining the gym.

International Cricket Council arranged a media tour and ever-smiling Marsh briefed the journalists about the stat-of-the-art facility.

He said: “The aim at this academy is to nurture the talent from around the world and groom them into disciplined and decent players and coaches.

Marsh is the director of coaching staff, which also include former Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar and New Zealand paceman Dayle Hadlee.

“The plan is to start cricket programmes in the first quarter of next year in which players from around the world can apply for the 10-12 week course and we hope to nurture their talent in this facility,” said Marsh.

The academy has pitches of all kinds. You can find spinning, slow, fast and pitches helping reverse swing. These have been designed meticulously and it can be a great help for the players who want to train in UAE.

“As many football teams from Europe skip freezing weather and come here for training. We hope cricketers from those reas will also come here and train because we have got the facilities which can cater to everybody’s needs,” said Marsh.

When media toured the academy, South Africa were practicing and Pakistan were scheduled to come later ahead of the first Test starting at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The academy is hosting the final of ICC Intercontinental Shield final in December 2010 and ICC Pepsi World Cup Cricket League Division 2 in April, 2011.

Local teams, companies and associations within the UAE will be ale to hire the GCA grounds to play local tournaments. Junior and senior leagues can also be hosted.

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com


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