From Saharanpur's Narrow Lanes to the Big Leagues: How a Free Cricket Academy Is Building India's Next Stars

Set up in 2014, the Saharanpur District Cricket Association gives poor children free training, kit and facilities, and has already pushed talent into the IPL and the India Under-19 squad.

On a cricket field, talent has never depended on money or connections. All it really needs is the right chance and the right guidance. Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district is now turning that simple idea into reality and carving out a name for itself on the country's sporting map. At the heart of this change is the ‘Saharanpur District Cricket Association’ (SDCA), which has become a lifeline for children struggling against poverty and a shortage of resources. Thanks to the association's work, youngsters from the town's cramped lanes are now making their mark with bat and ball in teams as big as the IPL and India Under-19.

The Foundation Was Laid in 2014
This cricket movement in Saharanpur began in 2014. The thinking behind setting up the body was clear: no promising child's dream of becoming a cricketer should be left unfinished simply because of a lack of money. With that single goal in mind, the association started hunting for hidden talent in villages and backward areas and then polishing it. Today that effort shows up in several successful faces.

The Names That Rewrote Their Own Stories
Prashant Veer: In the recent IPL auction, the most expensive and important wicketkeeper-batsman that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) added to their squad was Prashant Veer, who learnt the very basics of cricket running around on this association's pitch.

Mohammed Aman (former Under-19 captain): Despite coming from an extremely poor family with almost no means, Mohammed Aman earned the honour of captaining the Indian Under-19 team on the strength of his own hard work and the association's support.

The Association That Adopts Poor Children
For children whose parents cannot afford expensive kit, shoes or coaching fees, this district cricket association takes them under its wing completely. Such children are given world-class training, modern equipment and even the full cost of playing tournaments free of charge, so that their talent never has an excuse to stall.

Infrastructure That Rivals the Big Cities
Saharanpur's sporting setup is no longer behind any major city. A gleaming national-level cricket stadium and several hi-tech grounds are now ready here. In fact, big players who feature in Ranji, Under-19 and even the IPL come to these very grounds for net practice.

A Big Promise From the New Office Bearers
The Saharanpur District Cricket Association recently made an official announcement of its new team of office bearers. The moment they took charge, these young officials made a major declaration for the district's budding players. Under it, any child who wants to play cricket but lacks the financial means will always find the association's doors open. For such children, the entire arrangement of training, ground fee, kit and even boarding and food will be completely free, so that they can chase their dream of bringing glory to the country without any mental or financial pressure.

What this means for you
• Across India: It sets an example for poor families in small towns and villages that children can rise in cricket even without fees or costly kit.
• In Saharanpur: Needy children in the district will get training, ground fee, kit and even boarding and food for free, sparing families any financial burden.

Questions & Answers

1. In which year was the Saharanpur District Cricket Association (SDCA) started?
It was started in 2014, with the aim of taking poor and resource-less talented children to the national and international level for free.

2. Which Saharanpur wicketkeeper has CSK signed?
Sharp wicketkeeper-batsman Prashant Veer was added by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recent IPL auction as their most expensive and important pick.

3. What big achievement does Mohammed Aman have to his name?
Despite coming from an extremely poor family, Mohammed Aman earned the honour of captaining the Indian Under-19 team.

4. What does the association give poor children for free?
Such children are provided training, modern equipment, ground fee, kit and even full boarding and food arrangements free of charge.

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