Under-19 Cricket World Cup – a springboard for the young talent - Opinion
Sixteen teams from around the cricketing world have arrived in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 Under-19 World Cup 2012, and by the time this piece gets published, they will be pitched against each other to fight for the prestigious title. With the
world having set its eyes on the senior leagues, tournaments and competitions, it is the Under-19 World Cup, which has become the breeding ground of the future champions and leaders of the game.
The Cricket Youth World Cup is an international event that is held every two years, with hosting rights also changing hands periodically. The venue this time is Down Under, where the defending champions http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 will be eager to make full use of the home
conditions and add another title to the three they have up their sleeves – the maximum earned by any country.
The event is more than just a competition and is justifiably seen as a springboard for the young talent to leave their mark on the international cricket, and prove themselves as being the shining stars of tomorrow.
As a part of the Australian Bicentenary celebrations, the inaugural event titled the McDonald's Bicentennial Youth World Cup was held in 1988 in Victoria and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Australia-c844. While only eight teams participated in the event to play thirty-one matches, the
tournament hitherto remains memorable in terms of producing future stars, who further went on to captain their respective nations at the highest level.
Michael Atherton and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760) captained their sides and made several world records
as players.
Despite proving to be a perfect platform for youngsters to showcase their talent, the tournament’s progression halted for a decade before the next edition took place in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757. The year 2012 will witness the ninth installment, with the next to be played
in UAE in 2014. Australia, Pakistan, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 and England, are the only teams to have won the title.
With the success of T20 cricket and the mushrooming of various international leagues, the U-19 World Cup not only provides upcoming talent a chance to represent their countries but also helps them procuring lucrative contracts to play league cricket.
Former youth players and now international cricket sensations, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Harbhajan-Singh-c61453, have advised the youngsters to carefully utilise this opportunity, and make it count if they wish to make it big at the
international front.
Some of them have even demanded the live broadcast of the tournament as part of the youth development programme to give these young players a taste of international exposure and pressures.
While no one knows who will lift the cup in the finals on August 26, there is, however, no doubt, that keeping in line with its tradition, the tournament will give birth to some big names. The role of the Youth World Cup, as it appears, cannot be overlooked
because of the impact it has on team members, their supporters and on the future of cricket.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: