Ramadan cricket: Catching ’em young

The bat almost reaches their shoulders. And with those caps on their heads, this group of young cricketers aged six to 11 sure have that cool sporty look about them. Each time the ball is hit, they virtually jump out of their skins hoping to take a good catch that would undoubtedly leave their observant coach Gopal Jasapara impressed.

But Jasapara looks content anyway. It is precisely that picture of excitement he was looking to create when he decided to hold a 10-day Ramadan cricket coaching programme for youngsters.

With these kids, you have to become one yourself. you have to play around with them and make sure they enjoy the game. Gopal Jasapara, coach

"There are about 120 clubs playing in Ramadan tournaments in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Abu Dhabi," said Jasapara, "But for these kids there is no cricket. There is a lack of facilities for them as nowadays you are not even allowed to play in car parks. This venue was already booked. I was unable to get it for more than 10 days but I decided to take it."

Though his students respectfully address him as "Sir", Jasapara is not what you would call a hard taskmaster. "With these kids, you have to become one yourself. You need to play around with them and make sure they enjoy the game. Then only will they take it up further. At the moment, we don’t coach them. We just let them play their natural game, only then can you see their natural talent," he explained.

Kiefer Dua, seven, gave good indication of that, as he took every catch cleanly during a short fielding drill, and with some style. When asked what drew him to cricket, that was the only time he seemed unsure. "I don’t know, I just started playing," he said.

Kiefer’s mother Marline said: "I was waiting for an opportunity to put him in such a programme. He’s so into cricket. In India, he would make the most of every opportunity. I feel he’s really missing out in Dubai because outdoor sport [for children] is not common here."

Training schedule

Dates: Until September 9

Duration: Evening 4pm to 5.30pm.

Venue: Zabeel Park, Dubai

Fee: Dh250

Contact: Gopal Jasapara on 050-455 9083

For further info, visit www.cricketlovers.com