**ICC plans Global Academy in Dubai **
MOHALI: Imagine Australia preparing for a future Ashes series in Dubai or Pakistan holding a training camp ahead of a high-voltage tour in the desert Emirate.
Such a scenario could become a distinct possibility in a few years time when the ICC ambitious project — Global Cricket Academy begins its operations in early 2008. The academy, part of the Dubai Sports City Development, will cater to every cricketing need and specialise in training, not only cricketers, but umpires, curators and administrators too.
The ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said here on Tuesday the facilities would include two international standard grounds, 48 outdoor net pitches, six indoor pitches and state-of-the-art video analyses and medical facilities. He added that the academy would import soil from England, Asia and Australia as a part of its mission to offer attendees chance to experience as wide range of conditions as possible.
Former Australian wicket-keeper Rodney Marsh, who is Director of Coaching at the academy, said the idea was to make it an ideal location for top teams as they prepare for tours. Marsh said the sophisticated training facilities would be of great help to the trainees who come to the academy. “In our days there were no coaches. Cricket is a simple game and you just have to do basics correctly. One has to be a little careful, there is always danger of players being over-coached.”
Another of innovations the ICC Global Academy is looking to enact is creation of the first universal standard for cricketing qualifications.
Source: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=30130