Opportunities for budding Boys cricketers in U-14/16/19 age groups to excel

In a bid to unearth talented Boys  cricketers in various age groups  across the board, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) the governing body for cricket in Mumbai, Greater Mumbai, Palghar and Thane districts is all to set second edition of ‘MCA’s Talent Hunt 2.0 programme’ from Friday 6th December, 2024 onwards.

The selection trials to be held in the Under 14 / 17 19 age groups for specialised Batsmen, Wicketkeepers and Bowlers will be carried out under the supervision of former Mumbai Captain and India wicketkeeper-batsman Sameer Dighe. The same will be held across various venues  across the MCA jurisdiction (Dahanu in the Western Suburbs, Badlapur in the Central Suburbs, and Navi Mumbai up to Kharghar) including that at Navi Mumbai Sports Association, Vashi, till 19 January, 2025. The 56 year old veteran cricketer DIghe who also coached the Mumbai team way back in 2017-18 will be assisted by former Mumbai players Ravi Gadiyar and Santosh Shinde,

Players who have represented Mumbai team in any age group are not eligible to participate in these trails.

As may be recalled former Mumbai and Indian pacer Balvinder Singh Sandhu who played a key role in Kapil Dev’s  Boys winning the ICC 50 Over World Cup for the first time against all odds, way back in 1983, was MCA’s Talent Scout Head last year and had selected around 30 raw talented fast bowlers who are still being groomed by MCA

Newly elected MCA Secretary Abhay Hadap on the occasion said, “The second edition of the MCA’s Talent Hunt programme will be held in three age groups for raw talented Boys cricketers residing in MCA jurisdiction only. The same will be held at different venues from 6th December to 19 January, 2025. Post the selection process by former Mumbai Captain and India wicketkeeper-batsman Sameer Dighe the short listed players will be coached and groomed in their field of specialisation so that they cam represent Mumbai age groups team in future. Players who have represented Mumbai in any age group however are not eligible for these selection trials”.

About MCA’s Talent Hunt 2.0 For Boys Only

For*:  Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19 cricketers

Age groups criteria:  a) Under 14 – Born on or after 1/9/2011 and before 31/8/2013

                                    b) Under 16 – Born on or after 1/9/2009

                                    c) Under 19 – Born on or after 1/9/2006

Field of Specialisation: Batsmen,Wicket Keepers and Bowlers

Reporting Time & Documentation: 8.30 am in whites clothing / cricket gear along with age proof       

(Birth Certificate) and Residential proof (Aadhaar Card)  in order to be eligible for the trials.

 Schedule of Trials along with Venues

Photo Above: Each of the seven venues in MCA Jurisdiction including NMSA Vashi will host three-day selection trials for U-14, U-16 and U-19 boys from 6th December, 2024 (Photo by Ashok Dhamija)