''America Can Provide Next Twenty 20 Playground''

With the completion of the inaugural session of the DreamCricket Academy, DreamCricket.com has taken yet another small step in cricket development in USA.

Following the successful launch of an indoor cricket practice facility, inaugurated by former test cricketer Chetan Chauhan in September of 2007, DreamCricket has continuously improved the facility by adding Bola bowling machines, Pro Shop, and membership options.

This year, DreamCricket has kept its promise of bringing world class coaching expertise to USA by inviting two experienced coaches as part of the DreamCricket Academy initiative.  "Prior successful coaching experience was something we looked for in a coach and we are happy to have started on the frontfoot with two experts in their fields," Kranthi Bayya, CEO of DreamCricket said. 
 

This year, DreamCricket has kept its promise of bringing world class coaching expertise to USA by inviting two experienced coaches as part of the DreamCricket Academy initiative. "Prior successful coaching experience was something we looked for in a coach and we are happy to have started on the frontfoot with two experts in their fields," Kranthi Bayya, CEO of DreamCricket said.

Over twenty cricketers, including four who were part of the national championship winning junior team trained at the DreamCricket Academy in its inaugural session between June 23rd and July 6th. Speaking about the cricketers in the junior cricket camp, Bharath Kumar said, "The enthusiasm of these kids is infectious. I am also quite impressed with the DreamCricket facility. The facility is on par with what is available in Chennai and other Indian cities."



Having coached Holland in the years leading up to the World Cup 2007, Ian Pont is familiar with the obstacles faced by an ICC Associate country such as USA. "USA could be the place to invest some time and money if Twenty 20 is to take a grip around the world", said Ian Pont, at the end of his first fast bowling camp at the DreamCricket Academy. "I've seen some raw talent worth developing but there's a serious lack of formal coaching at present. The lads are starved of quality support but they are keen, knowledgeable and willing to learn."

"Because the lads are mostly of Indian or Pakistani parents, they have a passion for the game and a natural flair. All it needs is the spark of money and time to create an atmosphere that cricket can thrive in. That means ICC investment or a private business with a desire to create something new and exciting," Pont said adding that he was pleasantly surprised with the talent on display.

Pont, an international Level 4 coach, is renowned for his coaching expertise and has worked with international bowlers such as Dale Steyn. Ronnie Irani recently remarked "I wish that I had met Ian Pont ten years before I did. He is an expert in his field and has some excellent ideas on how to engineer a bowling action." Pont is the author of the best-selling book "Fast Bowler's Bible." An aggressive fast bowler who played first-class cricket for Nottinghamshire, Essex and Kwa-Zulu Natal, Ian is renowned for his naturally gifted and powerful arm - he has recorded the second longest throw of all time with a cricket ball.

Pont has already recommended at least one fast bowler from the DreamCricket fast bowling camp to two English counties and plans to bring a second player to the UK to play in 2009. He has plans to return to the US and continue his coaching duties here with DreamCricket. ''It only takes one guy to breakthrough and the flood gates could open'', Pont said adding, ''I want to be there when it happens.''

Bharath Kumar coached youngsters between 9 and 14 years of age at the DreamCricket Academy was similarly optimistic. "Building a world class cricket team takes perseverance and investment," Bharath Kumar. He hoped that cricket programs are launched at schools from coast to coast. "The boys needed motivation and if schools are supportive, that is a huge boost. School cricket ensures that the kids stay engaged with the sport," he opined. Bharath, who is a former Tamil Nadu and South Zone player and coach is a Level 2 certified coach. After a successful stint as Tamil Nadu's Ranji coach and junior selector, he is now a coach with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Academy.

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