Gully cricketers to play in junior T20 league

As many as 15 gully cricketers have been selected to represent the Haryana team at the Indian Junior Players League (IJPL) from 200 participants. The players were

As many as 15 gully cricketers have been selected to represent the Haryana team at the Indian Junior Players League (IJPL) from 200 participants. The players were selected during a three-day camp organised at Teri cricket ground on the Gurgaon-Faridabad road.

Similar camps are being conducted across the country and 16 teams will be selected from 22 cities in 16 states. (HT photo)

Similar camps are being conducted across the country and 16 teams will be selected from 22 cities in 16 states. The details of the 15 players chosen to represent the Haryana team will be disclosed only after the camps across the county conclude.

“Haryana has always been one of the leaders in sports in the country. We invite budding latent talent from Haryana to put their best foot forward and utilise this opportunity,” Dinesh Kapoor, managing director -- Grace India Sports and Fitness World, said.

Aman Kaliramanan, 17, from Hisar, said, “I never thought I will ever get the platform to showcase my talent and perform in front of cricket stars like Jonty Rhodes.” Aman started playing cricket at the age of five.

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes had met the participants on Friday and gave them a pep talk.

As many as 240 players from 22 cities will participate in the IJPL T20 tournament in Mumbai. The primary objective of the IJPL is to promote the potential of budding cricketers.

Shubham Duhan, 16, from Jind said, “I dream of playing for my country and I just want to play cricket. If I do not qualify this time, I will at least get the professional training that will help me return with more confidence.”

The winning team will get prize money of Rs 21 lakh, the runner-up will get Rs 11 lakh. The ‘man of the series’ will get a chance to play county cricket in England.

The IJPL has appointed BCCI certified coaches and Ranji players for the three-day training at the selection camps.

The 16 teams are Delhi Dashers, Haryana Hurricanes, UP Heroes, Punjab Tigers, Dehradun Rockers, Rajasthan Roarers, MP Warriors, Ranchi Boosters, Assam Rangers, Kolkata Strikers, Gujarat Greats, Mumbai Masters, Pune Panthers, Hyderabad Hawks, Chennai Champs and Bangalore Stars.