The MRF Pace Foundation, which has contributed to the success of fast bowlers around the world, might revive its ties with the BCCI again.
The board had snapped its association with MRF for unknown reasons. Subsequently, BCCI’s contracted players weren’t allowed to train at the academy in Chennai.
With the National Cricket Academy losing its way, the BCCI was forced to look elsewhere. MRF Pace Foundation’s head coach M. Senthilnathan made a presentation to the BCCI earlier this month.
And by the looks of it the pace school is all ready to renew the bond. “We will be more than happy if it happens. We will be happy to work with the Indian bowlers. Nothing has been put on paper and I can’t confirm it at the moment,” said Senthilnathan.
If an MoU has been signed between the two parties one can expect Indian bowlers to use the facilities in the academy and can also turn up for rehabilitation.
Learning the tricks of the trade from Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath will be invaluable. “I was here at the academy back in 1992 and I learnt a lot under Dennis Lillee. That’s the reason I picked up this project as it helps the up and coming fast bowlers. The technology, the nets and the gym you get here is world-class. What MRF offers in terms of facilities is incredible and it helps pacers around the globe. A lot of youngsters from Australia come here for training and have benefited. The MRF Pace Foundation has a lot to offer for Indian bowlers,” said McGrath.
With the NCA short of coaches, the BCCI may soon give the green signal for MRF. An informed source said, “It’s true that the Board has had discussions with MRF Pace Foundation. The BCCI has released a lot of coaches in NCA to cut costs and there are not sufficient people to run the show in Bengaluru.
“MRF on the other hand has excellent facilities for fast bowlers. Even for rehabilitation it is well equipped with right persons and trainers. A deal is imminent.”
If the deal falls in place, then the contracted Indian players like Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav can all look forward to training under the watchful eyes of McGrath.