Is Yusuf Pathan’s New Academy the Turning Point for Northeast Cricket?

While the Indian cricket team was landing in Guwahati for their Test match against South Africa, Yusuf Pathan was also stepping into Assam — determined to uplift cricketing facilities and shape the future of young players in the state.

On Wednesday evening, Pathan inaugurated the second centre of the Cricket Academy of Pathan (CAP) in Assam, located at Tingrai Chariali in Duliajan.

But before the ceremony began, an emotional moment unfolded. Pathan paused to pay tribute to a portrait of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Speaking with visible sorrow, the former cricketer said,

“The people of Assam loved Zubeen immensely, and he had helped many in need. Every human must leave this world one day, but Zubeen da left us too early.”

He added that the widespread demand for justice over the singer’s death was understandable:

“Since he was one of the most lovable stars of the region, it is hard to accept it. He will remain in the heart of every Assamese individual, and it is justified that the people of Assam are demanding justice for Zubeen Garg.”

Praise for Assam’s Rising Stars

Pathan also spoke highly of Uma Chetry, a key member of the Indian women’s team that clinched the recent Women’s World Cup.
He said her achievement reflects Assam’s growing cricketing atmosphere.

The former all-rounder emphasised that proper and structured training can propel Assam to produce national-level champions:

“If budding players in Assam receive proper and structured training, the state will undoubtedly produce skilled cricketers capable of excelling at the national level.”

Encouraging Young Cricketers

Addressing the young trainees, Pathan encouraged them to stay relentless in their pursuit of excellence:\

“There are many kids across the nation who want to represent India. The squad has only 15 players, but the kids should not stop working hard. BCCI is now giving opportunities, and IPL is there too. So if they practice hard, they will get opportunities.”

Expansion of CAP in Northeast

Pathan announced that the new Duliajan centre is the second CAP branch in Assam and the first in Dibrugarh district.

“Across India, we have more than 35 CAP centres, of which more than 25 are actively running. Ten more centres are in the pipeline. I am happy to learn that kids are excited to play cricket and want to pursue it as a career,” he said.

He urged young players to fully utilise the academy’s facilities:

“We conduct lots of drills that help kids grow into proper cricketers. Concentrate on the basics. I want the entire Northeast to play cricket. Kids here want to play, but the right platform, direction, and guidance are crucial.”

Pathan expressed his wish to see many more CAP centres open across the Northeastern states, adding that while football receives significant attention in the region, cricket should be given equal importance.

Role Models and Futures

Referring to IPL star Riyan Parag, Pathan said,

“Riyan Parag is a fabulous player. He played in the IPL and has represented India’s senior men’s team twice. Kids will look up to him as an idol and try to become like him.”

He added that he hopes many more youngsters from the region will rise to play domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, and represent India across formats.

Pathan also expressed happiness that Uma Chetry made the state proud by representing India in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup.

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