Pujara opens free cricket academy for underprivileged kids

"Rajkot doesn't have any ground where children can practice regularly. In Mumbai, you have Shivaji Park and Azad Maidan where proper good-quality nets take place. I was lucky that Railway gave us one pitch to practice but that is not available anymore. Someone has to provide them the basic facilities otherwise, how will they grow as cricketers?" Pujara was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

The Gujrat born cricketer, who has made 32 appearances for the national team in Test cricket, has invested in six-acre of land to set up the academy. It will have all the basic amenities required – a gym, a dressing room, a bowling machine, six pitches, a bathroom and a rest room. The academy will also provide conveyance for these kids, who will have to travel from different part of the city

His father, Arvind Pujara, has helped him set up the academy and was the one who suggested this move initially. "I was lucky that I have my father who looked after me and my cricket but there are many here who just can’t afford this sport. I remember one evening after the IPL, my dad told me to lets have a big ground where we can train and train others too. I just couldn't say no to it," Cheteshwar revealed.