We are pleased to announce that later this month, Stani Army will be holding a fundraising dinner with Saeed Ajmal in Birmingham with the aim of raising awareness for his new academy, the Saeed Ajmal International Cricket Academy (SAICA). Details of the event will follow over the next week here on http://www.staniarmy.com, including how fans can purchase tickets for the dinner. As well as photo opportunities and autographs, fans will also get a chance to put their questions to Saeed on what is certain to be a fantastic evening.
In build up to the event, below is information and some photos regarding SAICA, how it came about, the work completed so far and what still needs to be done. We encourage our fans to take this opportunity to read up on this wonderful initiative.
Saeed Ajmal International Cricket Academy Awareness Campaign
In association with WWW.STANIARMY.COM & ACES MIDDLE EAST
Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan International cricket professional and one of the world’s leading bowlers felt the need to do something about the declining efforts in Pakistan over its craze of cricket and wanting to give back something to his country.
He realised that due to the political restrictions on International Cricket not being played in Pakistan it not only effected the countries economy it shattered the base root foundation of youngsters playing cricket on all levels. Cricket has been at its all time low. Saeed Ajmal felt the need to inject something back into cricket by setting up a cricket academy in Faisalabad which will train educate and give the children an excellent opportunity to flourish in this beautiful sport that on any given day can lift the whole country on its feet.
Saeed Ajmal has dedicated his time and effort to get his message across to the Government of Pakistan to the Pakistan Cricket Board to the people of Pakistan.
In 2012 Saeed Ajmal started a campaign to get this academy on the map of Pakistan. He managed to convince the Government of Punjab the need for Cricket to be re-established. The Government of Punjab kindly donated 22 acres of land to Saeed’s project.
Sixteen months on and now the ground has been levelled out to include 10 full size cricket pitches along with 11 practice pitches. This was only possible by the will of Allah, kind donations from people and also a heavy contribution from Saeed Ajmal himself who from his own personal funds spent £125,000 to start this Academy.
On the day of the launch 4,500 applicants came to enrol at SAICA it took over 1 month to go through all the applicants. At the time due to limitations only 100 students where accepted on their cricketing abilities. Children of all backgrounds came with the hope to be part of this great new initiative and to be part of something special. The 100 students that where accepted where all provided with 20 pieces of equipment ranging from trousers to tops from cricket pads to gloves and everything one needs to get started.
The cost of each child’s equipment is in the region of 15,000 rupees (£95 approx). Trials for the Academy run every 3 months where 100 more applicants are again accepted on the grounds of their cricketing abilities. To date there are 300 students that are full time students at the Academy. 100 of the existing students are from very poor backgrounds or include children who are Orphans they are exempt to pay any money towards the Academy and enjoy free coaching and education. The other 200 students pay a very small amount to help with the daily running costs. Children with special needs also qualify for free coaching and equipment.
Phase 1
The completion of the grounds: In progress
Phase 2
Build a Gymnasium, changing room facilities and showers
Phase 3
Build a School for secular education and train children on rules and regulations of cricket
Phase 4
Build a Masjid to give them a good sound Islamic upbringing (Sadaka Jahriya)
Phase 5
Build a Hostel to accommodate for 200 students. 50 rooms with 4 sharing a room Phase 1 is in progress however Phase 2 -5 is in need of further funds to continue.
It is estimated to continue with Phase 2-5 SAICA is in need of £1m to complete this amazing project. This will include all the equipment required. The salaries of all 15 coaches combined is in the region of 2 Lakh and 25,000 Rupees per month (£1400 per month). Salaries of all 15 ground staff combined are in the region of 2 Lakh per month (£1250).
Future Planning
– The academy is in need of 11 bowling machines one machine at each practice pitch.
– Ground Machinery, Rollers and lawn Mowers to maintain a good health ground.
– Gym equipment needed
SAICA recognises that there is so much talent in Pakistan that its mission is to provide the best coaching, training, education and facilities to the students to flourish in developing a future career in playing cricket and ultimately playing cricket for the National team.
But not every child will be able to pursue that dream ambition and desire to become a professional cricketer due to their family’s financial circumstances. That’s why SAICA is introducing a salary structure for students to get paid to play in the academy. Some students are probably the bread winners of their families and are unable to progress in cricket because their parents can’t afford for them to play cricket not earn a living and to provide for the family. That is why each qualifying child will get paid 5000 rupees a month (£30) per month to continue with their cricket career.
Ways in which you can help
– You can sponsor a child a month by donating £60 – £30 of which will go towards his families living expense and the other £30 towards his Cricket, School and Masjid education.
– Donate equipment or sponsor a bowling machine.
