MUMBAI: The World Wide Talent in association with Darren Lehmann cricket academy (DLCA) Australia is has announced Pratibhashali 2017 a nation-wide hunt for cricket talent for a rising star (age 12-17 years) and Rookie (age 18-25 years) under the guidance of Maninder Singh, former Indian Cricketer and Darren Lehmann, former Australian cricketer.
The initiative is also supported by Paralympics Committee of India and the finals will be telecast on DD Sports.
Pratibhashali is an initiative to promote grassroots cricket and identifying promising cricketing talent – best bowler and best batsman in each category. The trials will involve around 70 days of cricketing action spread across 5 states (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi) and 18 cities under the aegis of the respective State Cricket Associations.
The event kicks off from May 28, 2017. The 70 days trials will be conducted under the supervision of cricketing experts and former Indian cricket players. The entire program will be mentored by former Cricketer Maninder Singh and the finals will be held on 28, 29 and 30 July 2017. 44 successful individual will be selected during trials for finals in both the categories. 22 best players further will be selected for Grand Finale event. 2 most talented players will be announced after the finals in Rising Star and Rookie category.
The teams and players performing will stand a chance to win prizes at each stage. Finals will be awarded with Car for Best Batsman and Bowler in Rookie category and a sponsored training trip to DLCA Australia under Rising Star category. The best coach and players in each format during trials will be presented with mobile phones, motor cycle, sports wrist watches and cricket kitbags.
World Wide Talent chairman Vishal Uppal said, “Our purpose of getting into nation-wide cricket hunt is two-fold. On one hand, it helps identify and promote young talent and gives them a well charted path to make it big in sports; on the other hand it helps us get young children out into sports arenas and grounds. This initiative is unique in the sense that, other than the cricket itself, this also has components of coaching and exposure for youngsters to international cricket programs. We are confident that this tournament can emerge as a very powerful youth mobilization program.”
Maninder Singh inserted, “With India’s vast population and geographical spread, it is not easy for talented players to find the right platform and emerge into the spotlight. Pratibhashali 2017 aspires to be that platform for every deserving cricketer so that great talent never goes unrecognized. These worthy initiatives enrich the broader community and naturally develop individual ambition. Also, DLCA association with this initiative underlines our commitment towards the development of cricket as we endeavour to unearth the best talent in the country and further enhance the skill sets of young players.”
