Budding cricketers in Qatar can soon expect to have their skills honed under the supervision of none other than former Australian Test player and renowned coach Dav Whatmore.
The Sri Lankan-born Whatmore is expected to visit Qatar sometime soon as part of the Trucoach Centre for Sports Science (CSS)-Whatmore Centre for Cricket’s initiative to collaborate with Doha-based cricket academies.
The Chennai-based state-of-the-art facility works in tandem with the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Science Centre which is known for rectifying the faulty bowling actions of many famous cricketers besides providing expertise in physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition and other related spheres that are essential to a sportsman’s success.
 “Everyone knows Dav Whatmore is a legend as far as cricket coaching goes. His coaching methods will immensely benefit young cricketers in Qatar and help with sort out any deficiencies in their skills and techniques at an early age,” said former Kerala first class player J K Mahendra, who acts as a consultant for the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Science Centre.
The Trucoach Centre and the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Science Centre have already started work in the UAE where hundreds of young players are receiving quality guidance, according to Mahendra who likes to be remembered as the first cricketer from the state of Kerala to represent India, having been a member of the Indian schools team that toured England in 1967.
During his recent visit to Qatar, Mahendra interacted with coaches and officials of several cricket academies and made presentations on behalf of the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Science Centre in Chennai.
“I visited Asian Town Cricket Academy and the Stallions Cricket Club among others and they were very keen to avail of our facilities,” said Mahendra.
Asian Town Cricket Academy’s Riyaj M K was enthused about youngsters learning from Whatmore.
“We are keen to tie up with Whatmore’s facility so that our students benefit from his expertise besides having their,” said Riyaj.
“We look forward to Whatmore visiting Qatar and also sending the boys to Chennai on a regular basis to be assessed by experts as part of our long-term developmental plans,” he added.
The Stallions Cricket Academy in Qatar is also keen to collaborate with the Whatmore’s facility.
“We are looking at tie-ups and exchange programmes that will benefit our cricketers,” said Ashan Perera. “We have close to 500 kids at the academy and we are looking forward to Whatmore’s visit,” he added.
Perera added that as part of the impending tie-up, his club would send players on a tour to India sometime next year.
“Stallions Cricket Academy players have toured England and Australia in the past. If all goes well we will soon send a team to India. It would be a great experience for them,” he said.