Chennai Super Kings to launch cricket academy

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be launching a cricket academy in the middle of next year in an effort to hone the skills of youngsters.

The hugely popular IPL franchise, which will be returning to the League after serving a two-year suspension, is planning the academy, CSK's whole-time director K George John said. He also said the franchise's support staff could be roped in to help out at the academy.

Meanwhile, the fourth edition of Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 Championship, a state-wide event, will begin in the city on December 26.

Under the first phase, matches will be held in Chennai and seven other districts, the organisers said here today.

The final phase for the winners from six districts (Madurai and Tirunelveli to be taken as one district) and the winner and runner-up from Chennai will be held in Tirunelveli from January 7, 2018.

India cricketer Abhinav Mukund, who was present at the launch, said such tournaments provide a good platform for young players and hoped to see good talents like M S Washington Sundar emerge.

"I have played a lot of such school tournaments when I was at St Bede's school. It is a great opportunity for youngsters I hope this tournament will unearth talents like Washington Sundar," he added.

Leading city schools will be taking part in the Chennai phase.