A Cricket Tournament aiming to promote talented young players to higher levels in Cricket will begin in Auckland next fortnight.
St John’s Cricket & Events NZ Limited is organising the ‘Dunar Cup T20 Under 21’ Cricket matches along with the Auckland Cricket Association at the Waikaraka Park grounds from January 29 to February 4.
Promoter George Mavumkal said that a number of Indian Test Cricketers including VVS Lakshman will be involved in the weeklong event, known as the ‘Dunar Cup Tournament.’
The Tournament would witness a total of 19 games, culminating in a prize-giving ceremony after the final match.
Five teams have thus far confirmed participation in the Tournament. They are Auckland, Hyderabad Colts (India), Delhi (India), Hutt Hawks (Wellington) and Northern Districts (Composite).
According to Mr Mavumkal, organisers were waiting from confirmation from the team from Wellington College, Taranaki.
“The Tournament is the first of its kind in the age group and could turn out to be a very important event for spotting talent and encouraging young players to join the national team in the future. We believe that there are many talented Indian players who could represent New Zealand at higher levels of Cricket,” he said.
Mr Mavumkal hoped that the Tournament would provide an opportunity for the selectors to assess the talent among young and upcoming cricket players in the Indian community.
He said discussions were being held with Auckland Cricket on the ways and means of promoting young talent.
Such tournaments were important since players who are less than 21 years of age had limited opportunity to rise to the National team level. We are planning competitions for the Fastest Bowler, Best Batsman and Best Catch, so that young cricketers can catch the eyes of the selectors,” he said.
Auckland Cricket High Performance Manager Kaushik Patel said that it was important for small cricket clubs to come under the umbrella of Auckland Cricket.
“This would give an opportunity for more Cricket players of Indian origin to be a part of the New Zealand team,” he said.
Mr Mavumkal agreed, saying that such a move would give a greater sense of belonging and pride to the National team.
“This tournament will become an annual event with more overseas teams and New Zealand provincial teams participating in the future. We have recently received communication from two IPL franchise teams saying that they would be interested in sending their second XI feeder teams to participate in the next year’s event,” he said.
