Modi uses soft power of cricket across C’wealth

India, as one of the foremost cricket-playing countries, offered on Friday to train youngsters from Commonwealth countries at its world-class facilities under a plan that drew much applause at the meeting of heads of state and government here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the heads of 52 other countries that India would train 30 boys and 30 girls under the age of 16 every year with the help of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The offer was widely welcomed, officials said.

India also committed itself to doubling its contribution to Commonwealth offices of small states in New York and Geneva, and to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London to enhance its ability to deliver tailor-made assistance to smaller countries.

A legacy of colonial rule, cricket has emerged as one of the most popular sports in Commonwealth countries such as India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies.

The idea is to reach out to smaller countries that do not have similar cricket facilities and access to coaches, and lay a network of what will be the future generation of the Commonwealth. HTC

LONDON: