India’s first Gary Kirsten cricket academy to open in Pune

The veteran cricketer is now all set to launch his first ever cricket academy in India and he has chosen Pune as the location.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer, is known for his contribution as a coach to the World Cup winning Indian cricket team in 2011. After stepping away from the international responsibilities, Kirsten shifted his focus on a coaching business and began academies in South Africa. The veteran cricketer is now all set to launch his first ever cricket academy in India and he has chosen Pune as the location.

Gary Kirsten (left) announced the launch of his cricket academy at JW Marriot on Friday. (SANKET WANKHADE/HT PHOTO)

Kirsten made the official announcement about his academy and the his plans to develop cricket in the country from the grassroots at JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat road, on Friday.

“We are looking to train young kids and have already started a talent hunt programme across various cities in India. Along with training, we are also planning to host camps, where students can interact with professional players,” said Kirsten.

“We haven’t finalised the location of the academy yet, but we are looking for a big space since we plan to host 1,000 students. The academy will have outdoor as well as indoor training facilities. We will have residential camps for two to three months. It will be at par with the Gary Kirsten Academies in South Africa. As the academy moves forward, we also plan to build a proper international quality cricket ground,” said Anand Mittal, chief executive officer (CEO) of the academy.