Kolkata, An ambitious project mirroring the Bengaluru-based National Cricket Academy, whose former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil was appointed director on a five-year contract, was unveiled here on Tuesday.
Former NCA director Patil has roped in his old team of Dinesh Nanavati, Gautam Shome and sports therapist Ashish Kaushik to be part of the venture.
"When they (Shrachi Sports Ventures) approached me, I took the time to say 'yes'. I really liked what they are going to offer to Indian cricket. That's how I agreed," Patil said.
"Those who were in the NCA with me, Nanavati, Ashish, Shome, I brought them all here. It is a team that will work here."
This will cater to cricketers from the eastern and northeastern region and will work in association with the Cricket Association of Bengal.
"From now on, no cricketer will have to go out for rehabilitation or fitness issues, the coaches and facilities will take care of all his needs," Patil said.
The 67-year-old Mumbaikar promised that he will make Kolkata his "new base" and work for the development of the academy.
"I have not come here to teach or supervise the course. I have come here for five years and stayed in Kolkata. I don't think I can do this while I am in Mumbai; I have never done this in my life. When I was coach of Kenya, Oman or Madhya Pradesh, I made sure I stayed there completely," Patil said.
He further said that the facility will gradually cater to all sports including tennis, football and basketball among others.
"Leander Paes will take care of tennis. It will not be just cricket, but in future it will be a full-fledged sports academy," Patil added.
The private cricket facilities of the Shrachi Group, a city-based real estate conglomerate, are located at Athlead International School in Joka.
It will not only "serve as a rehabilitation center for cricketers but will also provide physical and mental training to up-and-coming cricketers and coaches," its CEO Rahul Todi said.
He further said that they will also launch the football academy in the next season, headed by former India goalkeeper Bhaskar Ganguly.
"Experience in mental conditioning and injury rehabilitation will be common to all sports and we will only have coaches in different sports," he added.
Former NCA director Patil has roped in his old team of Dinesh Nanavati, Gautam Shome and sports therapist Ashish Kaushik to be part of the venture.
"When they (Shrachi Sports Ventures) approached me, I took the time to say 'yes'. I really liked what they are going to offer to Indian cricket. That's how I agreed," Patil said.
"Those who were in the NCA with me, Nanavati, Ashish, Shome, I brought them all here. It is a team that will work here."
This will cater to cricketers from the eastern and northeastern region and will work in association with the Cricket Association of Bengal.
"From now on, no cricketer will have to go out for rehabilitation or fitness issues, the coaches and facilities will take care of all his needs," Patil said.
The 67-year-old Mumbaikar promised that he will make Kolkata his "new base" and work for the development of the academy.
"I have not come here to teach or supervise the course. I have come here for five years and stayed in Kolkata. I don't think I can do this while I am in Mumbai; I have never done this in my life. When I was coach of Kenya, Oman or Madhya Pradesh, I made sure I stayed there completely," Patil said.
He further said that the facility will gradually cater to all sports including tennis, football and basketball among others.
"Leander Paes will take care of tennis. It will not be just cricket, but in future it will be a full-fledged sports academy," Patil added.
The private cricket facilities of the Shrachi Group, a city-based real estate conglomerate, are located at Athlead International School in Joka.
It will not only "serve as a rehabilitation center for cricketers but will also provide physical and mental training to up-and-coming cricketers and coaches," its CEO Rahul Todi said.
He further said that they will also launch the football academy in the next season, headed by former India goalkeeper Bhaskar Ganguly.
"Experience in mental conditioning and injury rehabilitation will be common to all sports and we will only have coaches in different sports," he added.
