NSW Cricket: Indian heavyweight targets local Sydney talent with Super Kings Academy

As T20 cricket continues to take the world by storm, an Indian powerhouse is targeting Sydney’s next generation of stars. See why the Chennai Super Kings have headed south.

Michael Hussey celebrates with teammates during a match with the Chennai Super Kings in 2012.

Buckle-up cricket fans, Australia’s next generation of master blasters now has an alternate pathway to the top.

With the arrival of Indian Premier League heavyweights the Chennai Super Kings, the state’s rising smash-and-bash merchants are firmly in the sights of the Super Kings Academy.

Based at the state-of-the-art Cricket Central facility at Sydney Olympic Park, from late September, the initial intake of boys and girls will embark on a program lasting 10 months.

Since its formation in 2003, Twenty20 cricket has exploded in popularity. From the IPL to a growing list of global franchises, player access to alternate income streams has never been greater.

With a list of former players including Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden and Shane Watson, the Super Kings brand has long had an association with Australia.

Already operating hubs in the United States and England, the Indian powerhouse continues to spread its wings in the countdown to T20’s Olympic debut in 2028.

Aussie legend Doug Walters and Super Kings Academy franchise owner Anand Karuppiah at the launch on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Supplied: Super Kings Academy

With a career spanning 30 years in education and training in Australia, Academy franchise owner Anand Karuppiah predicts a bright future.

“The initial program will be for under-16s,” said Anand, at last Wednesday’s launch that featured a guest appearance from Aussie legend Doug Walters.

“Being optimistic, we could receive 300 applications, but we will start with two groups of 10-15 and assess from there.

“It’s a 40-week program and includes two trips to India and we also have access to Super Kings coaches in India.”

Undeterred by the possible backlash from existing state aligned programs, Anand pointed to an underlying philosophy.

“Cricket is not one size fits all,” said Anand, who has previously operated his own training centre, and across eight seasons co-ordinated the pathways program at Sydney University.

“Each player is different. I encourage players to represent NSW cricket and aspire to play for Australia, but if you want to play league cricket, come to us. We can show you the pathways.

“There’s only limited state contracts. The top players will always follow the pathways to international level. But not everyone makes the cut, so we offer another opportunity.”

Having already helped several players secure IPL contracts, the well connected administrator is set to align the Academy to western Sydney’s rising Indian population.

Parramatta cricketers celebrate in the under-16s Green Shield competition. Photo by Warren Gannon Photography.

“We are predominantly looking at the subcontinental market,” he said.

“Subcontinent participation is visible in this part of the world. I estimate that 99 per cent of the Sydney Academy intake will be from players with a subcontinent background.

“I may rock the boat, but cricketers with those backgrounds are the lifeblood of the game in this country.”

In ongoing battles to capture the teenage player market, Anand believes a pathway to T20 riches is crucial in cricket’s long term growth.

“There is not enough participation in Australia. NSW has the biggest population of all the states, but what’s available?” he explained.

“There’s state cricket and two BBL teams, and they’re still bringing in players from other states.

“With low participation, there’s no future in cricket. We want more young boys and girls to take up cricket and become professional cricketers.”

Click HERE for more information on the Super Kings Academy.