World Cup: Two MP cricketers in U-19 team

Indore boy Avesh Khan and Bhopal’s Rahul Batham on Tuesday were selected for the national cricket team for the next year’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh.

Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan will lead India’s 15-member squad in the tournament.

India is placed with Australia, New Zealand and Nepal in ‘Group D’, and will play their opening match against Australia on January 28 in Mirpur.

Pacer Avesh and Rahul – both products of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association’s residential academy – honed their cricketing skills under chief coach and former international cricketer Amay Khurasia.

Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association president and BCCI former secretary Sanjay Jagdale credited hard work and dedication of Avesh and Rahul for their selection in the national team.

“It is hard work and dedication that paid them dividends,” Jagdale said. “As we always said, ‘you perform and Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association will always be there to support players.”