UAE needs inter-council cricket: Prasad

SHARJAH — Venkatesh Prasad was an important member of the Indian team from his debut in 1996 until he retired in 2001. A committed and well-mannered player, he is known for his invaluable seam bowling.

By Liaqat Ali

Published: Tue 28 Dec 2010, 12:37 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:25 AM

After serving Indian cricket as a player he was appointed coach for the under-19 team. He was hailed for contribution to the success of under-19 team and later he was made bowling coach of Team India. He has also served as bowling coach of IPL champions Chennai Super Kings.

These successful stints earned him a job with Asian Cricket Council as cricket development officer.

He will be responsible to develop the game in three countries — UAE, Qatar and Thailand.

Prasad is in UAE to look after the cricketing affairs here. While talking to Khaleej Times, he said: “UAE has resources and talent and cricket has a great future in this part of the world.

“It needs proper planning and use of resources. Four councils (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman can play a big role in the development of the game here.

“The councils should organise under-14, under-16 and under-19 tournaments among the schools under their jurisdiction which will help them to build a bunch of 20 to 30 players.

“Then there should be inter-council tournaments at UAE level which will help to assemble a team of talented youngsters.”

Prasad added, “I have watched UAE under-19 playing here and they really impressed me. They are extremely talented and ready to perform on top level if they are groomed properly.

“Infrastructure is the basic thing to develop any sport. UAE needs grounds all over the country to attract the youth. It may not be necessarily turfs because there are so many factors involved — weather and water. Most of the cricket is being played on cement pitches and there is no harm in it.”

While talking about his role as a development officer Prasad said: “I believe in letting the player to play his natural game.

“If you tinker with player’s natural ability it will bring a disaster. The great game of cricket is spreading fast and ICC and ACC are trying their best to take it to the every corner of the world.

“T20 is the best format to introduce the game to new regions. It is becoming more and more popular and Indian Premier League is a big example.”

Prasad recounted his Sharjah days and lamented that there are no more India-Pakistan matches in UAE. He hoped that one of the fiercest rivalries in sports world would be revived again in UAE sooner than later.

Prasad, known for his deceptive slower ball, shed some light on India-South Africa series. He was full of praise for Sachin Tendulkar for his 50 of Test 100s.

He said: “It is amazing, it is wonderful and nobody is going to touch this record.

“He is also close to reach 50 of one-day 100s and if somebody dares to reach this target he might have to start his cricket since childhood.

“Sachin has played cricket for 20 years and he still has the same passion and enthusiasm for the game. After achieving so much he is the most humble player.”

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com