The Sandton Action Sports Arena hosted the 11th annual Sandton Sharks Junior Action Cricket League.
The event is the biggest junior action cricket league in South Africa, with a record 52 teams competing this year. The tournament includes learners from U9 to U13 teams and gives players the opportunity to compete in a formal indoor cricket league.
The event has become a real drawcard for top outdoor players from schools as it runs for seven consecutive weeks over the winter period. It is also a great way for all players to keep up their skills and improve on aspects of their game, like fielding, running between the wickets, reflexes, wicket keeping and communication.
Many of these players are then chosen to represent Central Gauteng Action Cricket and participate in the annual South African Indoor Cricket Federation Inter-Provincial Tournament, which displays the most talented indoor players from around the country in the national tournament. This year’s provincial tournament is taking place in Pretoria at the end of June. Players also get the opportunity to be selected for the South African team and compete against other countries in tournaments such a world cups.
The national U19 talent scout for Cricket South Africa Jono Leaf-Wright said, “It’s a privilege for me to sit on both sides of the fence and see the benefits that outdoor and indoor cricket has on the players. The indoor game specifically teaches the players a different skill of awareness and sharpness and I would encourage all young players to play the game.”
He added, “I have personally witnessed many SA U19 outdoor players and current franchise players and Proteas play the indoor version and how it has benefited their holistic game. Gone are the days where outdoor players cannot play indoor cricket, as it is not a technique that needs to change, but rather the mindset of playing the different version.”
The Sandton Action Sports Arena in Kramerville looks forward to hosting the 12th edition of the Sandton Sharks Junior Action Cricket League and seeing more young champions on its courts.
Details: Sandton Action Sports Arena info@sandtonactionsports.co.za
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