The MI Junior Inter-School cricket tournament’s fourth edition came to a close on Thursday in Mumbai with Anjuman-I-Islam, RR Education Trust and Shardashram Vidyamandir emerging victorious in the Boys’ Under 14, Boys’ Under 16 and Girls’ Under 15 categories respectively. Lasith Malinga, bowling coach of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, felicitated the winners and spoke about the importance of a tournament like MI Junior.
Speaking during the event, Malinga said, "It is a brilliant opportunity for young cricketers in Mumbai. I am really thankful to MI for hosting a tournament like this where young cricketers can show their talent. They get to learn how to approach tournaments, deal with pressure. Once they display their talent, they can then go on to make a career in cricket.”
Malinga added that MI had unearthed many stars over the years. “MI has always backed talent. Jasprit Bumrah in 2013, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya have all been backed by MI. They have gone on to play for India. MI Junior is another such great platform for budding cricketers. Youngsters can perform there and then go on to play for the state and national side too in the future,” he added.
Malinga reminisced about his days playing school cricket and the key role it played in his development as a cricketer. “School cricket is the most important because it sets your foundation. That is the age where you learn the most and learn very quickly. Nowadays, there are more opportunities but a tournament like MI Junior is the best way for young cricketers to develop their skills. I am looking forward to how these kids develop,” he said.
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Malinga was especially impressed with MI Junior having a girls’ category as well as female umpires and scorers. He hailed the inclusion of women, saying, “All the young girls have a great opportunity to play more and experience a high quality tournament at such a young age. I would request MI to continue this initiative as this is the best way of serving the game of cricket and also gives young cricketers a chance to shine.”
