11 graduate from Nicholas Pooran’s Batting Academy | Features Local

In a celebration of hard work, sacrifice, and transformation, 11 young cricketers officially graduated from the first-ever six-month scholarship programme hosted by the bmobile Nicholas Pooran Batting Academy in partnership with the Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy (KRCA).

The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the 11 young athletes, who successfully completed six months of intense training and mentorship.

The 11 graduates; Christiano Ramanan, Alon Roy, Kaiden Pollard, Veer Dabiesingh, Sachin Beebakhee, Zakariyya Mohammed, Aadi Ramsaran, Akeal Rooplal, K-hill Thomas, Davis Guerra, and the sole female participant, Jannah Mohammed, were selected from an original pool of 55 participants.

Over the six-month period, the budding cricketers received one-on-one technical coaching, strength and conditioning, and holistic development from some of the nation’s top coaching talent, including KRCA head coach Vasu Rampath and Pooran himself.

Recently appointed TSTT chairman Kern Dass attended the graduation at KRCA’s California headquarters and personally congratulated the young athletes. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development and empowerment through meaningful partnerships.

“As a national communications solutions provider, our purpose goes far beyond connectivity,” Dass said. “We see sport as a powerful tool to connect young people to opportunity, to mentorship, and to a future that can shape their lives. This programme reflects exactly the kind of impact we aim to create, not just with technology, but with partnerships that uplift communities.”

Committed partners

Dass also emphasised that the academy is not just about improving cricketing skills but about learning to carry oneself with pride, resilience, and purpose.“We’re not just proud sponsors but committed partners. Each of you represents the promise of Trinidad and Tobago’s, and by extension, West Indies’ cricketing future,” he said.

During the ceremony, Pooran personally congratulated his first cohort of graduates and reflected on how much their growth meant to him. “I didn’t have these opportunities growing up,” he said. “So to now be in a position to create for others, that means the world to me. To see the growth of these young athletes over six months, not just as players but as people, fills me with pride.”

Pooran highlighted the story of Jannah Mohammed, the lone female graduate. Initially, she only accompanied her brother to practice but quickly caught the attention of coaches with her determination. She would go on to score a double-century for ASJA Girls’ College, Charlieville, in the Secondary Schools Cricket League.

A future star

“I’m really impressed, and I believe she can be the future star of the women’s game,” Pooran said. “This would mean the world to me, just by giving someone an opportunity. This is what it’s all about, giving someone a chance and seeing them shine.” He also thanked bmobile and other corporate supporters for helping build pathways for youth advancement through training, mentorship, and exposure to higher-level competition.

Pooran allowed three graduates to speak before his own remarks. Veer Dabiesingh, once described by Kieron Pollard as “full of enthusiasm,” said the experience changed his life. “These guys have become my brothers and sister. I’ve learned so much, mentally and technically. Thank you, Mr. Pooran, for changing our lives.”

Graduate Zakariyya Mohammed added, “It’s more than cricket. It’s about chasing dreams, representing this academy, and being better people.”

Andrew Bailey, Pooran’s manager and director of Perception Management, shared that, last year, four participants were selected for the national Under-15 team. This year, three scholarship recipients earned spots on the Under-17 squad. “The returns are already evident,” Bailey said.

KRCA CEO Kiran Rampat also proudly reported that ten players from the KRCA/Nicholas Pooran Academy were chosen for national team selection this year alone. “On the West Indies team right now, we have three players who have been working closely with Vasu over the last year. When you look at the last five players that played for Trinidad before the age of 20, all five of them came from KRCA,” Rampat noted.

He named several rising stars, including Justin Manick, Aaidan Racha, Andrew Rambaran, Jayden Seales, and Leonardo Julien, all of whom have benefited from the KRCA environment. Each scholarship winner also received a full complement of cricket gear courtesy Pooran, Me+U, former West Indies teammate Kieron Pollard, and partner NextGen.