Marsh presents ICC academy

Former Australia wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh (L) talks to Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful (R) while spinner Mohammad Rafique (2nd from R) and cricket board's working committee vice-chairman Lt Col M Abdul Latif Khan (retd) listen during the former's visit to the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.Photo: STAR

Legendary Australian wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh made a presentation of the ICC Global Cricket Academy to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) high-ups at its management office yesterday.
Marsh, director of coaching, is on a whirlwind tour of cricket nations to promote the academy which is expected to open next August on the premises of Dubai Sports City.
60-year-old Marsh, who arrived in Dhaka Friday evening, outlined the opportunities and facilities that are provided by the academy.
According to Marsh, there will be two international standard cricket grounds, each with a square of seven pitches, 48 outdoor net pitches which will allow proper run-ups for bowlers at both ends as well as the chance for wicketkeepers to hone their skills, six indoor pitches of varying pace with an area large enough for full-scale centre-wicket practice, state-of-the-art video analysis, medical and fitness facilities and five-star accommodation for attendees. Wickets like those present in Australia, England and the sub-continent are going to be on offer.
"Apart from coaching and umpiring courses, there will be employment opportunities in administrations, IT and other areas. We will advertise for these posts very soon," said Marsh, when he visited the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur along with board officials after the presentation in Gulshan.
"It is upto the cricket board to respond to this presentation and our offers that we have put forward," said Marsh, one-time holder of the highest dismissals record as a wicketkeeper.
BCB CEO Mahmudur Rahman said Marsh will confirm the financial details of the academy by the next two months after which the board will mull over future tours to Dubai.
Being the most modern cricket academy in the world, it will be expensive and Rahman admitted that the expenses would be looked into before any tour is confirmed.
"It is very interesting and of the best quality. Nothing from our side has been confirmed as yet, but definitely we will look into it whenever it opens," said Ahmed Sajjadul Alam Bobby while acknowledging the fact that once opened, it will be the complete cricket facility.
Marsh departed last night for Dubai from where he will travel to Lahore to make a similar presentation to Pakistan's cricket authorities.