The Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) will next year up the ante in their efforts to professionalise local cricket.
BCA have intentions to stipulate a minimum of 100 overs of play each day which will comprise of three sessions of 2hr:15min. The idea is to conceptualise the need to play longer which is the international trend in cricket.
BCA president Girish Ramakrishna said they were striving hard to implement the international trend in the local game so that players could be better positioned to compete internationally with ease.
“We are implementing a trend in the local scene that is common globally. Our players need to adapt to playing longer if we are to compete against the best. We need to grow as a nation in terms of the sport,” Ramakrishna said.
He revealed that they had targeted youth teams to drill them so that they adapt at an early age. “It will be challenging to reach the international level at the moment but it is critical that we engage players at grassroots so that they get the necessary experience and exposure to challenging long hours of play,” said Ramakrishna.
A test match was played last week when the BCA Blues played BCA Reds in a three-day trial match which Ramakrishna said proved there was lot of talent that needs to be nurtured.
“The experience and opportunity was no doubt a vital part in the outcome and the spirit and enthusiasm displayed by the teams was pleasing. This being the first such outing, it was the first as a ‘first class’ match for all concerned.
We have a junior team that will be playing crucial qualifier matches next year that needs to adapt quickly to the global standards. They have proved to be a squad that can make history.
The Under-19 team will play a number of friendly matches that are more than 100 overs in efforts to build endurance,” concluded Ramakrishna.
