Pathan brothers launch their Cricket Academy

Indian cricketers Yusuf and Irfan Pathan on Thursday launched their dream venture Cricket Academy of Pathans, which will start functioning from next month-end in their home town Baroda.

The brothers said that they have about 5-7 years of active cricket still left in them. "This has been our vision for a long time and we wanted to give something back to the game. We wanted to do something different and this Academy will have two modules.

Yousuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan

The course will be for a duration of 8-9 weeks after which the child can for the advanced course. We will go to schools which have infrastructure and set up over there. It is not stationary and we will keep having these courses throughout the year," Irfan told reporters here today.

He added that they have already identified a few schools and have been planning for it from last 6-7 months. They plan to take the Academy to three other cities by early next year and aim to have 50 academies across the country by the end of next year.

They have tied up with former India coach Greg Chappell and Cameron Tradell as chief mentors. Chappell would coach the coaches of the Academy. Interestingly, it was Chappell who promoted Irfan as an all-rounder during his two-year stint from 2005 and when pointed out the younger Pathan said, "this is a media perspective. I think differently. We had identified two or three coaches. I have played with Greg and I know how well he can share his knowledge with the kids. So we decided to venture with him."

The fees for one coaching course would be about Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 and the academy will be affiliated with the state associations. "We will offer the best practice that is required for an aspiring cricketer," Yusuf said.

The academy will also focus on nutrition, psychology and physical developments of the kids.