Published: Sep 11, 2014, 07:02 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 11, 2014, 07:02 PM (IST)
Mumbai: Sep 11, 2014
The Pathan brothers, Yusuf and Irfan, have launched their new initiative, called Cricket Academy of Pathans (CAP). Through this, the brothers aim to start academies throughout the country and have teamed up with Australian legend and former India coach Greg Chappell. The brothers did however say that they won’t be actively involved in coaching as they are focused on their respective careers.
Speaking at the launch of CAP in Mumbai, Irfan said, “Cricket has given us a lot and we wanted to give something back. My dream was to shape this into the academy and that is how CAP came into the picture. We will go to schools and we will have academies where there is infrastructure. The children in school can then train there.”
The modules at these academies will last for about eight to nine weeks and they have been designed by Chappell. The coaches of each academy will also undergo training. “The academy will have everything. In our academy, the coaches will be coached as well. There will be nutritionists and psychologists as well. Coaches will be trained under Greg Chappell. We will oversee things, but we have 5-7 years of cricket ahead of us. It will be starting in Baroda. We can oversee things easily. We have a bigger aim. By 2015, we aim to have 50 academies around India.”
Speaking through Skype, Chappell said, “I am very excited to work with them (Yusuf and Irfan). They are trying to get kids to play. We will focus on the importance of nutrition, fitness etc. The desire is to give as much inputs to the coaches and the students. Our intention is to support coaches and educate them on philosophy. Cricket is a game that has to be learnt and can’t be taught.”
Yusuf and Irfan did say that they aim to play for India in the future and that they have a good five to seven years of cricket ahead of them.
