India Cricket’s pace bowling depth has been depleted three years after net bowlers pulled off a miracle in Gabba, Brisbane. The architect of that Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri have moved on to different opportunities. But BCCI hasn’t. The Indian board has curated a fast bowling contract for Fast 5 with Umran Malik and Akash Deep highlighting the new setup equivalent to Million Dollar Arm in baseball.
“Fabulous move. They are creating a pool of fast bowlers and making them avail the best of know-how from the NCA. These bowlers will have access to the best of physiotherapy and strength and conditioning expertise which would not be as good in their states. Besides, they will learn from the NCA coaches. It is an excellent and much-needed decision,” former India bowling coach Bharat Arun told Cricbuzz welcoming the decision.
India’s Fast 5 in BCCI Contract
- Akash Deep
- Vyshak Vijaykumar
- Umran Malik
- Yash Dayal
- Vidwath Kaverappa
While BCCI did not officially reveal the contract details in the announcement of retainership, as per a Cricbuzz report, the five fast bowlers identified will have a Rs 1 Crore contract similar to a Grade C player.
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Fast 5 facilities
Furthermore, they will enjoy similar privileges as a BCCI centrally contracted player enjoys.
Umran Malik & Co will be able to train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) as and when they require. They will not need their state’s permission.
Currently, all other non-contracted players need their state’s permission to train at the NCA. The state units bear all cost of the player at the NCA.
However, for Fast 5, NCA will bear the cost of their training, accommodation and injury rehabilitation in Bengaluru.
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