Priyank Kharge with Venkatesh Prasad and cricket association representatives during discussions on skills training for Kalaburagi youth. Photograph supplied.
Bengaluru: Young people in Kalaburagi could be trained for cricket careers beyond the playing XI, with Minister Priyank Kharge discussing a programme covering umpiring, scoring, pitch preparation, video analysis and other specialist roles with Karnataka’s cricket association.
Kharge met association president Venkatesh Prasad and office-bearers to explore a collaboration with the Kalaburagi Next Foundation to build cricket-related technical skills among talented young people from the district.
From pitch analysis to physiotherapy
The proposed programme would introduce young people to professional opportunities across the sport and help them develop the skills needed for those roles. The discussions covered pitch analysts, coaches in different disciplines, pitch curators, scorers, umpires, video analysts and physiotherapists.
The meeting focused on the contribution of these specialists alongside players. Raising awareness of opportunities outside playing and preparing young people through relevant training were central to the proposed collaboration.
The programme was discussed as a skills initiative. The meeting account did not announce a launch date, application process, eligibility criteria or confirmed job placements.
Safety at Kalaburagi cricket tournaments
Kharge and the association’s office-bearers also discussed security arrangements for cricket tournaments held in Kalaburagi. The review covered measures needed to protect spectators and ensure public safety during matches.
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