CHENNAI: The biggest change Indian Premier League has brought to cricket is it has taken the sport much beyond the 22 yards. Cricket, like IT or any other industry is now a serious career option for many of the youngsters in the country. So, just like any other subject, now cricket has also made it to the University prospectus.

Auckland Cricket Association with Auckland University has introduced a diploma in cricket, the world's first anywhere. And they are targeting to recruit mainly Indian students for the course. The CEO of the Auckland Cricket Association, Andrew Eade, who had come down to the city for the launch of the program, in a tete-e-tete with TOI said: "With the Indian Premier League becoming such a huge hit, the global market for cricket is concentrated in the subcontinent. We want to cash in on it. People here are eager to take cricket as a profession, be it as a player or referee or being involved in the management part. The course will provide a good platform for those who are interested."

Eade wants to take the whole program to the next level by collaborating with an IPL franchisee. However, he refused to clarify what sort of collaboration he was thinking about. "I will be going to Mohali and Jaipur next week to meet the franchise people. I hope that something will come up," he said.

Eade is not new to subcontinent cricket. He worked as ICC Global Development manager from 2000 to 2003 and traveled through India extensively watching cricket. "I have seen enough cricket in the country and I know the amount of potential the young kids have here. But they need proper direction to fulfill their dreams," he said.

The course is completely different from what the innumerable cricket academies across the country provide. "There's no reason to mix up those courses with this one. This is a proper university course and is designed not only for the players, but also for coaches, support staff, literally for all who are associated with the sport. Auckland University already has a Diploma in Sports and Recreation and to that course the cricket component is an add-on."

The one-year course will start in July and after the first semester there will be a vacation of three months when the players can play in New Zealand league. It's not often Indians get a chance to play in those conditions. The others can go for coaching education or stadium management. "In stadium management, the students get an in-depth analysis of how Eden Park Stadium works," said Eade.

Kiwi legend Sir Richard Hadlee and former Team India coach John Wright have confirmed to be guest-lecturers at the university. Allrounder Scott Styris, who is the official ambassador for the program, and Martin Guptill are also likely to chip in. "The players who will come good can continue to play in the New Zealand league. The competition is much less in New Zealand than in India and any good talent can build his career in cricket there," Eade said.

