Cricket fever to begin in Kerala

For Indians, cricket is not just a sport but a deeply ingrained feeling. Malayees too share a similar love for the sport with deference, but not many among their clan have hitherto made it to the national team. Sanju Samson donned the Indian shirt through the path opened by Tinu Yohannan and S. Sreesanth. In women's cricket, Minnumani, Sajana Sajeev and Asha made their debut in international cricket only in recent years. The tides are showing a change with more Malayali representation in recent years.

Malayali players are more actively reaching the national teams at the junior level. In addition, the Kerala Cricket Association implemented the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) last year with the aim of growing Kerala cricket.

Indian cricket did a facelift with the advent of IPL in 2008. Even boys who used to play cricket in hamlets were able to reach the IPL teams and from there to the national teams. The IPL also played a major role in expanding the commercial base of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Other states, including Tamil Nadu and UP, had already started regional leagues on the model of the IPL. These leagues became the main driving force in bringing players to the IPL teams.

The Kerala Cricket Association, which successfully conducted the first season of the Franchise Cricket League in Kerala, albeit a little late, is now organising the second season of the KCL on a grand scale. With the match about to begin in Kariyavattom Greenfield Stadium, Kerala’s hopes are sky high in nurturing fine talents. The organisers are trying to make KCL one of the best leagues at the national level by providing the best technical facilities and a system to show it live to the world. All the talented players from Kerala, including Sanju Samson, are being lined up to raise the standard of the game.

Last year saw Kerala cricket thriving, with the team even reaching the Ranji Trophy final. Many scouts are keenly looking forward to the KCL to pick talents for their IPL teams. Last season, Vignesh Puthur was able to play for the Mumbai Indians team, thanks to his fine performance in KCL. 16 players who played for KCL got the opportunity to participate in the selection trials of various IPL teams last season.

This time, it is hoped that more players will be able to pave the way for the future. The Kerala Cricket Association has been able to provide quality stadiums and training facilities in the state, including in the lush green Wayanad. The efforts of KCA to nurture talents by establishing stadiums and academies in all districts and appointing coaches are commendable. KCA should be careful not to fall for flaws in organisation capabilities, as Thiruvananthapuram is ready to host the Women's World Cup next month. Let’s hope for some quality cricket to come out of the state.