Sachin for 15 players in side

Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday advised the Mumbai Cricket Association to introduce a 15-member team concept at the junior level to give opportunities to all.

“The club culture is fantastic. It has won us (Mumbai) 40 Ranji titles.

To stay ahead of the opposition, I suggest MCA to introduce 15-player teams at the inter-school and college level instead of the existing 11,“ Tendulkar said here on Tuesday at a felicitation function organised by the MCA.

“Every individual comes to play but he is confused whether he can get to play or not. Take his uncertainty out. Give him the opportunity he deserves. Tracks may deceive you at times. There are tracks at times which suit pace bowling and you have just one pacer in the side and the others are sitting out.

If you play all 15 players, quality will come forth,” Tendulkar added.

Tendulkar hoped other states would also take the cue later.

“Every player should get a minimum of three matches in every tournament like Harris and Giles Shield. MCA has to provide that support. I hope about 10,000 cricketers in Mumbai may benefit. And rest of nation may follow in our footsteps,” the recently retired cricketer added.

Quipping that he wasn’t saying this because his son Arjun was playing junior cricket, Tendulkar went on to elaborate. “I have known guys who did not become successful because they don’t get to play. My son will get family support even if he isn’t successful but what about those children who don’t enjoy family support.

Everyone should get the opportunity to play,” said Sachin.

Tendulkar who was conferred with the Bharat Ratna after his retirement and also declared a Unicef brand ambassador recently, recollected his practice days at the Indoor Cricket Academy at Bandra Kurla Complex.

“I practiced at this ground for many years and utilised the indoor facility whenever it rained,” he quipped.