BSS, Chittagong :
A big response saw district level trial of ‘Khoj the number 1 spinner’ jointly organised by Robi and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) kicked-off in Chittagong on Wednesday at the city’s Zahur Ahmed stadium.
A total of 21 male and 1 female spinners were finally selected from 416 male and 5 female contestants. A panel of eight eminent judges led by BCB’s high performance coach, Nurul Abedin Noble conducted the selection procedure.
This phase will continue till February 28. Young male and female spinners aged between 16-23 are eligible to take part in the campaign.
During this phase, District Sports Associations of all the 64 districts are organizing a day-long trial session in their respective district level stadiums for the contending spinners.
A technical team led by the divisional coach and supported by the assistant district coach is in charge identifying the talents in this phase. Not more than 25 male and female spinners are going to be selected from each district.
Ability to spin the ball, legality of the bowling action, unorthodox and effective bowling style are being specially looked at as selection criteria for the identifying the promising spinners.
Besides, the short listed spinners are being tested in different type of wickets to assess their versatility. Faculty wise (Left Arm Spin, Off Spin & Leg Spin) selection may be considered but comparatively better spinners to be selected.
The campaign is divided into three phases. The phases are designed in a way that allows the best possible opportunity for the spinners of the country to be recognized for their talent. The campaign will touch base with the root level cricket infrastructure with support from the local sports governing bodies.
Selected spinning talents from the first phase (From 3rd to 17th March) will join this phase in 10 divisional or equivalent level venues. BCB central technical team will be in charge of the talent selection process at this phase.
Robi will provide all the logistics support. In total, 60 spinners will be selected from this phase and they then will move on to the third phase.
The third phase (From 20th to 27th March) will be of residential in nature. The entire phase will be held at the National Cricket Academy. BCB central technical team will be in charge of the talent selection process at this phase. .
The 60 spinners selected from the second phase will be put through some grueling fitness test with thorough analysis of their bowling action with the help of video analysis. At the end of the phase 10 male and female spinners will be declared as the winners of the competition.
The winners of the Khoj the number 1 Spinner will be sent to BCB High Performance for further development.
BCB have already found a bunch of fast bowling talents from all over the country from the Fast Bowler Hunt campaign last year. Some of these fast bowlers have already caught the attention of the national selectors.
