Junior T20 Bash keeps cricketers thinking
AN EXCITING addition to the winter cricket calendar gets under way at fields around Chatsworth today.
The first Junior T20 Bash hosted by Chatsworth Sporting is expected to deliver thrilling action over the next six weeks.
The competition, which caters for three age divisions – Under-11, U13 and U15 – has attracted interest from teams from Phoenix, Chatsworth, Reservoir Hills, umzinto and Pietermaritzburg.
Each division will see six teams battle it out in a round-robin phase with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.
“The reason behind putting this tournament together was based on the lack of cricket that our youngsters are exposed to during the normal cricket season,” said tournament director Jason Sathiaseelan.
The man in charge believes junior players can sometimes play only two or three games because of the high number of matches which are washed out by rain.
“This is a chance for players to enjoy more game time,” Sathiaseelan said. “It will allow them to sharpen their skills in a competitive environment.
“Youngsters prefer the shorter version of the game. It’s more dynamic and requires quick thinking. You have to play positive cricket whether you are batting or bowling, juniors thrive on that.”
Sporting themselves will use the tournament to try to scout talent for their own structures.
The club’s Premier League team has struggled in recent seasons and Sathiaseelan says it is important for them to identify potential players for the future.
He continued: “This is a new challenge. It will give us a chance to have a good look at players over a number of weeks.”
The final of all three divisions is scheduled for August 20.
Sathiaseelan revealed that they initially tried to secure the Chatsworth Oval but their request was rejected by ethekwini’s Parks and Recreation.
“We wanted to give our players the opportunity to play at a big venue,” he added. “We were told that it was not possible because they are busy preparing the venue for the Premier League season.
“It is very disappointing because the season only starts in October. We were asking for use of the stadium for just one day but that they could not make that happen.”