The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) is sending a 19-member team to the United Kingdom from May 2 to 28 for a series of matches across various formats. The tour aims to provide exposure to the state’s players in different conditions.
The team includes players from under-19, under-23, and Ranji Trophy categories. Pradosh Ranjan Paul and N. Jagadeesan are likely to lead the side in turns. The team will play four two-day games, five one-day games, and a T20 against UK-based teams, including the second XIs of counties like Notts, Northamptonshire, Hampshire, Essex, and Warwickshire.
The players will be accompanied by six support staff members, including former India players Robin Singh, L. Balaji, and Tanveer Jabbar, as well as a physio and video analyst. Despite reaching the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy this year, TN has struggled in seamer-friendly conditions in recent years, and the tour has been arranged to expose players to different conditions.
“We are not worried about the results. We just want our players to experience new conditions and learn. Apart from match days, we will also have nets sessions. We plan to hire a batting consultant, like a former Test player, and a trainer for the duration of the tour,” said TNCA secretary R.I. Palani.
Meanwhile, former India fielding coach R. Sridhar, along with G. Jayakumar and Dr. Kinjal Suratwala, are conducting workshops for TNCA coaches and those of the 37 district teams. A total of 148 coaches will attend these across four batches.
The TNCA will also have four satellite centers ready this year. The centers in Trichy, Tiruppur, and Theni are already up and running, while the one in Madurai is under construction.
The Association will also conduct a 16-team T20 tournament next month featuring winners and runners-up of the second and third divisions and the winners of all zones in the fourth, fifth, and sixth divisions. The final will be played under lights at MAC Stadium on May 28.
