- Spin & Swing Cricket Academy joins hands with Cheteshwar Arvindbhai Pujara Cricket Academy to nurture hidden talent from farming communities
- SML backs the mission through CSR support while ASK Foundation24 spearheads grassroots outreach across villages
- Masterclass by Cheteshwar Pujara inspires young cricketers from rural Gujarat to pursue excellence with discipline and determination
- Rajkot partnership strengthens nationwide vision of creating an inclusive grassroots cricket ecosystem across India
NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 5
In a major boost to grassroots cricket development, Spin & Swing Cricket Academy has entered into a strategic partnership with the Cheteshwar Arvindbhai Pujara Cricket Academy at Taraghadi village near Rajkot, creating a powerful platform to identify, nurture and develop cricketing talent from farming and rural communities.
The initiative is being supported by agri-tech company SML under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, while ASK Foundation24 will drive village-level engagement and talent outreach, ensuring that deserving young cricketers gain access to professional coaching, mentorship and world-class training facilities.
The collaboration brings together four organisations united by a common objective — creating meaningful sporting opportunities for children who often remain beyond the reach of structured coaching systems and professional cricket infrastructure.
Founded by former Indian Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara and his father Arvindbhai Pujara, the Cheteshwar Arvindbhai Pujara Cricket Academy has spent over a decade nurturing talented and underprivileged youngsters free of cost at its Taraghadi facility on the outskirts of Rajkot. Through this partnership, Spin & Swing Cricket Academy will contribute its coaching expertise, structured player development programmes and grassroots cricket experience to further enhance the academy’s impact.
To commemorate the launch, a special masterclass was organised at the academy grounds where Pujara personally interacted with aspiring cricketers from nearby villages and farming families. Sharing lessons from his illustrious cricketing career, he emphasised discipline, consistency, patience and mental resilience as the cornerstones of sporting success.
Encouraging the youngsters to dream fearlessly, Pujara urged every participant to train with the ambition of one day representing India on the international stage.
The initiative builds on Spin & Swing Cricket Academy’s expanding grassroots footprint, following similar programmes launched in Pune and Mumbai, and forms part of a larger national strategy to democratise access to quality cricket coaching.
The programme focuses on identifying talented youngsters from underserved rural communities and equipping them with professional coaching, mentoring support, access to modern cricketing equipment and advanced training infrastructure.
As part of its CSR commitment, SML is providing financial support to ensure that deserving children receive sustained opportunities for long-term cricketing development and personal growth.
ASK Foundation24 is playing a pivotal role in connecting with farming communities, identifying promising talent and encouraging greater participation among children with sporting potential.
Speaking about the collaboration, Anand Yalvigi, Founder & CEO, Spin & Swing Cricket Academy, said: “This partnership reflects our vision of making quality cricket training accessible to talented children irrespective of their background. We are delighted to collaborate with the Cheteshwar Arvindbhai Pujara Cricket Academy, which already has a strong foundation and commitment towards nurturing young cricketers. With the support of SML and ASK Foundation24, we aim to build a sustainable grassroots cricket ecosystem that creates genuine opportunities for rural talent.”
Bimal Shah, Managing Director, SML, said: “At SML, we believe that talent exists in every corner of the country, but opportunities often do not. Through our CSR initiative, we are proud to support a programme that empowers children of farmers and rural communities by giving them access to professional cricket training and mentorship. After the successful launches of Pune & Mumbai Cricket Academy, Rajkot cricket academy is yet another mission to the cause. With Cheteshwar Pujara at the helm, we are confident his guidance will inspire discipline, resilience, and excellence — nurturing young talent into future champions. We would continue to scout for more opportunities across the nation.”
Avani Shantanu Agasti, Founder, ASK Foundation24, said: “Sports has the power to transform lives and build confidence among children at a very young age. Through this initiative, we are committed to engaging with farming communities at the grassroots level and ensuring deserving children receive the opportunity, encouragement, and exposure needed to pursue their dreams.”
Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Cheteshwar Pujara said: “Grassroots cricket development is extremely important for the future of Indian cricket. I am happy to see organisations coming together with a common purpose of supporting talented young players from rural backgrounds. Cricket teaches discipline, resilience, and character, and I hope this initiative inspires many young cricketers to pursue the sport with dedication.”
Nestled in a serene setting away from urban distractions, the academy features professionally maintained turf wickets, practice nets, bowling machines, specialised training equipment and a high-quality outfield that provides young cricketers with an environment comparable to elite training centres.
The Rajkot collaboration marks another significant milestone in Spin & Swing Cricket Academy’s vision of building a nationwide grassroots cricket network that can uncover hidden talent from India’s villages and transform sporting aspirations into professional opportunities.
