Mohali, June 22: Inspired by the Aussies, the Punjab Cricket Association today decided to conduct annual interactive sessions and seminars for coaches and umpires in the state. "Atleast once in a year selected coaches and umpires on the PCA panel will be provided a platform to share the fundamental technicalities concerning their respective jobs before the start of a season", PCA secretary M Pandove told reporters on the final day of the five-day seminar, organised by PCA for coaches and umpires of Punjab. Pandove said "If need be, the coaches and umpires could meet twice a year". "The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) has a definite syllabus for their players and those associated with the game. Now the PCA is trying to follow them", he said. The interactive session, which was the first of its kind, witnessed the participation of 28 umpires and 14 coaches.

The idea behind the session was to maintain uniformity in coaching imparted in the ten regional coaching centres run by the association in different districts, Pandove said.

The emphasis was to show techniques adopted by the Australian Cricket Academy and Marylebourne Cricket Club in London to the umpires and coaches, he said adding that this would enable upcoming talent to get training on similar lines in their districts.

Pandove said renowned coaches like Gurcharan Singh, D P Azad and Ravinder Bhatnagar would provide inputs to coaches and umpires during these annual sessions.

Bureau Report