Derbyshire players Anuj Dal and Harvey Hosein have been awarded Newcomer Awards for their approach to personal development on the PCA Scholarship programme.
The duo, who both signed contract extensions with Derbyshire in 2018, were recognised at the PCA Scholarship Awards as displaying some of the best examples of personal development initiatives.
PCA members were invited to complete an online application where they elaborated on their personal development within the last 12 months, explaining why they should win the award and if they did, where would they spend the prize money.
The shortlisted candidates were invited to Edgbaston to present to a panel, which consisted of PCA Chief Executive David Leatherdale, Director of Development and Welfare Ian Thomas and Personal Development Managers Charlie Mulraine and Mark Wallace.
The interviewees were tasked with presenting their own thoughts and experiences of personal development and how it could be more widely encouraged before answering questions on their presentation.
The Newcomer Award was dominated by Derbyshire, with Dal selected by the panel for his work in modern cricket coaching, while Hosein was chosen for his dedication in working towards qualifications in financial investments.
Dal, who was picked up by Derbyshire last summer after impressing in Second XI cricket, has been proactive in setting up Purpose Cricket Coaching, a company designed to accommodate the needs of developing young cricketers with my modern twist.
He currently has 28 one-on-one clients and had a hugely successful summer camp in 2018. His end goal is to have his own academy tours overseas to offer experience of playing in different conditions.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Hosein took time out this winter to gain valuable work experience and networking in financial investments while carrying out his pre-season programme.
He is in the process of completing his Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments Level 4 and the money secured through his Scholarship Award will pay for all of his textbooks and exams for the qualification.
Dal said: “Presenting in front of 15 people is something you don’t often do as a cricketer, so it’s good to challenge myself in that way.
“The process of the PCA Scholarship Awards is a proud moment now I’m able to look back and realise what I’ve accomplished.
Hosein added: “I really want to go into investment management when cricket comes to an end.
“As cricketers we’re in a unique position in that we can’t just have one career, we need to do something else and I want to take those steps now and it’s the sooner the better for me in terms of professional development.”
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