Interview: In conversation with Irfan and Yusuf at launch of Cricket Academy of Pathans

The Pathan Brothers at the launch of their CAP initiative.

Yusuf and Irfan Pathan mean a lot of things to, and in, Indian cricket. They are the epitomes of success that finds its way after arduous struggles, examples that can be made of determination and hard-work and models of unwavering commitment towards the sport.

On 11th September, the world got to see an altogether different side to the siblings as they brought their newest cricketing initiative to the forefront by unveiling their ‘CAP’ – Cricket Academy of Pathans, at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai.

Expected to start around October-end in Baroda, CAP is aimed at being an initiative to encourage and nurture not just cricketing skills in children and youngsters, but also towards empowering them on a more general basis.

Elaborating on this, Irfan Pathan commented, “We have had this vision for a long time. We are motivated by the dream to do something different for the society. Our academy will be the one place for youngsters to develop all characteristics youngsters need to make it at the highest professional level. At the same time, since not all children may be able to make to the highest professional level, it shouldn’t be that they miss out on learning opportunities.”

The unique part of the academy however is that alongside coaching in the techniques and other technical aspects of the game, there will also be hand-on nutritionists and psychologists to help the children and youngsters.

The brothers were keen on emphasising this aspect reiterating that while they never got a chance to experience working with nutritionists and psychologists while they were learning the ropes of the game, they wished to correct this imbalance by ensuring that the future generation of the sport didn’t lose out on much.

“Mental aspects of the game will be helped by psychologists. This will also help the kids beyond the game to help them grow as a better person even if they aren’t able to play cricket at the highest professional level,” Irfan said.

What CAP offers

Based in Baroda initially, the academy will function with course modules ranging between eight to nine weeks. In order to streamline its functioning, course modules will be carried out across schools in the city. Speaking on this, the brothers explained how schools had the advantage of having large cricketing grounds which made it easier as far as the location of CAP was concerned. The identification and selection of schools have all been confirmed and the brothers were also quick to point out that these operations have been happening in the background for the past six to seven months.

While there is no upper age limit for those wanting to enrol in CAP, the course modules have been bifurcated to include those wanting to learn cricket afresh and those who want to take it up for the very first time, Irfan Pathan pointed out that the ideal lower age limit for enrolment is eight years.

The role of coaches was also discussed at large by the brothers and the significance that they bring to the overall cricketing table.

As far as CAP is concerned, the entirety of the coaching spectrum with regard to setting of the coaching syllabus and curriculum will be under the guidance of former Indian coach Greg Chappell. In addition, CAP has also roped in Cameron Tradell, an Australian coaching visionary who will be working in tandem with Mr. Chappell. The role of the Pathan brothers is thus – as clarified by them – that of overseers to ascertain the smooth and uninterrupted proceedings of the course modules.

Q&A with the Pathan Brothers

What are the long-term plans for CAP?

CAP will be initially based in Baroda, because it makes it easier for us to oversee how things are happening. It is also our vision to establish our academy across the country by 2015.

How will the course modules be carried out? What are the course fees?

Course modules will be carried out throughout the year with each course module ranging between eight to nine weeks. Course fees are between 10,000 to 15,000 INR.

What is the focus of the course module: Tests, ODIs or T20s?

First the coaches will identify the kids’ potential and based on that give focus on whether the kid is best suited for tests, ODIs or T20s. Tests are still an important part of cricket though ODIs and T20s are more in style these days.

How will the students be selected? Since CAP is functioning in schools, will external students also be eligible? Are girls also eligible to apply?

Starting age limit is eight years and students can continue with course modules for as long as they want. Observing initially, our coaches will be able to identify and determine which child has better chances to make it at the highest professional level. For those who don’t have similar game, the coaches will work to nurture their existing talent better. External students will also be eligible to join CAP, as are girls.

What kind of coaching system is in place?

Greg Chappell is the mentor. Each coaching module will have a head coach who will be monitored by Mr. Chappell. Each head coach will also have two assistant coaches to help him in the course module. Our coaches have been selected on the basis of not only their cricketing abilities, but also for their good coaching styles.

What are your roles in CAP? Are there any more Indian players who will be joining CAP?

We won’t be coaching or handling any coaching responsibilities as we feel we have at least seven to eight years of professional lives left in us. Our roles will be to oversee how course modules have been met and we will be monitoring the academy every two months, i.e. after the completion of the course module. Yes, we are in talks with a couple of Indian cricketers for joining CAP.

Why Greg Chappell as a part of the coaching team?

Making perception is easy. Greg has an amazing way of thinking and we know how valuable his inputs can be. He is experienced and knows how to pass on the knowledge which is why we decided to work with him. He will be based in Australia majorly though will be in constant communication through Skype.

(Mr. Chappell was also present via Skype and spoke about how it was a good opportunity for him to work with his good friends Irfan and Yusuf. He also added about the importance of not just helping young Indian cricketers understand the game, but also help educate the coaches about the game’s philosophies so as to give the right learning environment for the budding cricketers.)

What after completion of the course? What opportunities will be available for the students?

We are looking to getting affiliated with the Baroda Cricket Association so that the students can get opportunities to play league cricket. We are planning a lot of things for CAP for the future and students will have lot of opportunities for the future.

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