Cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled an ambitious plan to reinvigorate cricket participation in state-sector education, aiming to train secondary-school teachers as cricket coaches. This initiative is part of the ECB's Inspiring Generations strategy, which seeks to address the disparity in cricket participation between private and state-educated pupils.The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report highlighted that privately educated pupils are 13 times more likely to play professional cricket than their state-educated counterparts. To address this, the ECB plans to support cricket provision in 500 state secondary schools by 2030, with up to £26 million earmarked for improving facilities in 16 towns and cities.The ECB also aims to provide free cricket for 3.5 million primary-school pupils over the next six years, reinforcing the link between primary and secondary education. Additionally, the talent pathway will be restructured to improve the flow of state-school players into county age-group programs.The ECB has pledged to support 70 players per year at the South Asian Cricket Academy and 21,000 young people over the next three years at the African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) program. These initiatives aim to increase diversity and inclusion in cricket.The strategy document covers planning up to the end of 2028, including the ECB's hosting of the Women's World Cup in 2026, men's and women's home Ashes series in 2027, and the return of cricket to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould emphasized the importance of the strategy, stating that it is the roadmap for the future of cricket. Deputy Chair Clare Connor highlighted that the aim of becoming the most inclusive sport in the country has been in train even before the ICEC report.The ECB has accelerated many of its measures in response to the ICEC report's criticisms of racism, classism, and sexism in English cricket. However, the board has pushed back on the ICEC's recommendation to equalize domestic pay across the sexes by 2029 and 2030 at international level.The ECB's plans could face a snag if they do not receive the £35 million investment into grassroots cricket promised by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The board remains hopeful that the prospect of the Women's World Cup will encourage the government to carry through with this investment.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has always emphasized the pivotal role his family has played in his illustrious career. His wife, Anjali, holds a medical degree, while his son, Arjun, is a promising cricketer who represents Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recently, Tendulkar shared a proud moment as his daughter, Sara, completed her Master's degree with distinction in Clinical & Public Health Nutrition."It was a beautiful day. The day our daughter completed her Master's with distinction in Clinical & Public Health Nutrition. As parents, we feel so proud to have seen all the work you have put in through the years to get here. It's not easy. Here's to all your dreams for the future. We know you'll make them come true. Dher 'Sara' Pyaar," Tendulkar wrote on social media.Sara's academic achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Tendulkar and his family have always been supportive of her aspirations, providing her with the encouragement and resources she needed to succeed.In addition to his family's support, Tendulkar has also been actively involved in promoting voter awareness. As the Election Commission's 'national icon,' he cast his vote in the recent Lok Sabha elections, urging citizens to exercise their democratic right."I would like to say that problems happen because, one, you act without thinking, and two, you just keep thinking but do not act. I would urge people to cast their vote. It is extremely important for our nation's future," Tendulkar said.Tendulkar's legacy extends beyond his cricketing achievements. He is a role model for aspiring athletes and a symbol of national pride. His commitment to family, education, and civic responsibility serves as an inspiration to all.