"Massively Beneficial" | Naik Praises Academy Pre-Season Tour

After returning from a 10-day tour of the United Arab Emirates with Leicestershire’s budding best, we caught up with Head of Talent Pathway, Jigar Naik.

The former Foxes spinner-turned-Academy boss oversaw the trip to Ajman at the back end of last month, taking 16 players to the Middle East alongside pathway coaches Phillip DeFreitas and Paul Johnson.

“It was a great experience for the boys,” Naik says. “We got to play ten days of high-class cricket, where the boys learned how to eat, sleep and breath cricket.

“The benefits of going away on tour at this age speak volumes, because the boys gain a lot of independence, learning when to wake up without parents setting their alarms, when to eat, times to meet, not being late “ you learn a lot of skills outside of cricket.

“Daffy, Johno and I were available to speak cricket 24/7. We had some great conversations, and equally, we learned a lot from the lads. What they got out of those 10 days is more than they would in three or four months in an indoor school environment. It was massively beneficial for everyone.”

A third successive annual tour to Ajman, located 40 minutes from Dubai, Naik praised the excellence of the facilities on offer. “We found that the grounds, the organisation, the quality of opposition we played against, as well as the ability to play under lights, was all phenomenal.

“We played on world-class facilities and against very strong teams. Beating two Emirates Cricket Board sides was very pleasing, and we also played against guys who had just come back from the ILT20 in our last two games “ it was a very good test for the lads.”

There were impressive performances across the travelling party - who opened with a two-day draw against Seven Districts Cricket Association Ajman, before winning three 50-over fixtures and losing two T20s - but one player in particular caught the eye, 18-year-old batter, Usman Minhas.

The youngster scored two centuries during thumping one-day wins over Emirates Cricket Board outfits, averaging 72 across his six innings for the side. His contributions raised his profile so significantly, he has gained a spot on Leicestershire’s prestigious Academy.

“A special mention must go to Usman, who led from the front. His focus and professional attitude, as well as his returns with the bat, was exceptional. He was originally due to be an EPP player, but on the back of what he did on this tour he’s secured a place on our Academy. Hopefully we get to see a lot of him in Second Team cricket this year too.”

Alongside Minhas, the conduct of the entire squad earned Naik’s acclaim. “I think the professionalism of the players stood out to us as coaches, as did the harmony. The boys gelled really well together and most importantly; they represented the fox outstandingly.”

With a month to go until the young Foxes take to the field for their 2025 opener “ a friendly against Loughborough Town “ Naik says he’s counting down the days, a sense of eagerness shared by his squad.

“They’re all raring to go. That’s the beauty of this trip falling when it does. We’ve done the hard work in the winter and when we come back there’s just four weeks to go. It comes around quickly, but we’re certainly ready.

To view completed scorecards from the tour, click HERE.