Jonty Rhodes motivates players at Gurgaon cricket camp

The country’s biggest talent hunt for junior cricketers began on Friday at Teri on Faridabad-Gurgaon road. As many as 200 cricketers from different districts of Haryana, including Rohtak, Ambala and Hissar showed off their skills at the event.

The country’s biggest talent hunt for junior cricketers began on Friday at Teri on Faridabad-Gurgaon road. As many as 200 cricketers from different districts of Haryana, including Rohtak, Ambala and Hissar showed off their skills at the event.

As many as 200 cricketers from different districts of Haryana, including Rohtak, Ambala and Hissar showed off their skills at the event. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

The three-day camp for four hours each day will select 15 players who will represent Haryana in the twenty-twenty (T20) format Indian Junior Player League(IJPL). The event will take place in Mumbai for 21 days.

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes met the 200 cricketers and asked them to give their 100%, and play with integrity. Rhodes cited the commitment and discipline of cricketers Viral Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar as examples.

“There is no short cut to success. A good sportsperson is the one who has a good attitude and approach towards the game. Respect the decision of the umpire and play with 100% intensity in every match. Whenever you practice, imagine yourself in the match situation,” he said.

The talent hunt is being conducted across the country and 16 teams will be selected from 22 cities in 16 states. Interested players can register online for the league that is being conducted for boys between 12 and 18 years.

The primary objective of the IJPL is to promote the potential of budding cricketers by providing them a platform where they can prove their mettle and stand a chance to play at the national level.

Dinesh Kapoor, managing director, Grace India Sports and Fitness World, said, “Fair trial shall be given to each player over the three days and the best amongst them shall make it to the team. We are conducting the camp not just for one day but over a three-day period so that the participants get to showcase their mettle.”

In an effort to ensure that the selection process is fair, an anti-corruption cell unit has been formed. The unit with six members will keep a close watch on the selection process.

“We have instituted an anti-corruption committee headed by senior retired personnel from police services to ensure zero bias. The identity of selectors will not be disclosed and the only identity of participants during these camps shall be a colour-coded jerseys. Performance shall be the only criteria for selection and all participants shall be treated equally,” Kapoor said.