Southern Highland cricketers take part in the International Cricket Academy League

Ethan Hunt, Hugh Hansen, Sam Mackay, Harry Mooney, Liam Barlow, Will Torr, Sam Harwood and James Smith, who all play in the Highlands, travelled to India for the International Cricket Academy League (ICAL) in April.

They were given the opportunity to test themselves against the best cricket academies from around the world in the u17s league played over 11 days and Highlands District Cricket Association director Sam Nasser said they all did well.

"They were very competitive, but played against professional cricketers," he said.

"One of them was a member of the Rajasthan Royals IPL squad."

They played nine 50-over matches in the time they were there against teams from other countries like India and Sri Lanka.

The trip was not only about the cricket though, as the boys were also culturally enriching with visits to the Taj Mahal and an IPL game scheduled on one of their rest days.

They went on a bus tour of India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Estate, Agra and also visited the Old Delhi Heritage, Jama Masjid, Bangla Sahib and the Spice Market.

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