Hamilton Masakadza, the Director of Zimbabwe Cricket and former opening batsman of the Zimbabwe team praised the training facilities at the OMTEX ICWC Cricket Institute in Saphale, Palghar.
Hamilton Masakadza, the Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, interacts with young trainees
Masakada, who is in the country to play for India Capitals in the Legends League T20 Cricket Tournament starting in Kolkata from September 16, visited the Omtex Institute on Wednesday. Four teams, namely Gujarat Giants, Manipal Tigers, Bhilwara Kings and India Capitals, are a part of Legends League Cricket.
“I am impressed with the OMTEX ICWC Cricket Institute setup. It provides top-class facilities. The indoor nets, the pitch vision, are very much the state of the art and the way the whole thing is built is easy for the youngsters to be able to use and develop their skills. This is a one-stop centre, which provides all the facilities throughout the year, even during the monsoon season. The outfield cricket ground is also excellent and the trainees can just walk to the ground as it is close to their accommodation. That is another big plus for the youngsters,” said Masakada, who became the youngest ever cricketer to score a century on Test debut, at the age of 17 years and 254 days.
He scored a brilliant 119 against the West Indies in Bulawayo in 2000-01. This record has since been eclipsed by Mohammad Ashraful. His knock helped Zimbabwe draw a Test match and he was looked upon as one for the future.
Masakadza also pointed out that he is interested in getting the Zimbabwe cricketer to train at the Omtex Institute. “I definitely would like it if Zimbabwe players could use these facilities. We are talking with the Omtex guys and want to see how to explore this sort of opportunity, whether it’s a full side or some individuals coming to train here. I would definitely want to see more of a partnership with the Omtex Institute. We can then explore the possibility of getting more people to come here and experience the different conditions and just train here. The outdoor nets with turf facilities also look very good and have a wide coverage as well, so it would be very advantageous if our guys can come and train here.”
Masakadza also interacted with the young trainees and shared his experience and explained the finer points of the game.