Derbyshire all-rounder, Anuj Dal, says a winter spent improving himself off the field has made him determined to continue succeeding on it.
At the beginning of this year, Dal completed a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and Wealth Management; a culmination of just over three years’ work, while he also continued his work as Derbyshire’s PCA Representative and Vice-Chair of the organisation.
Dal also had an outstanding 2022 season, scoring 957 runs and taking 34 wickets in the LV= County Championship, becoming an integral part of the side.
The all-rounder says knowing he now has security beyond a career in cricket means he can focus on his game without concern.
“It would’ve been hard work if I spent all winter studying and I didn’t pass it,” he said.
“It sets me in a good stead for hopefully what’s to come after cricket, which means I can switch off from that for now and focus on solely on scoring runs and taking wickets.
“Who knows where you will end up, I have a very keen interest in Finance and Wealth Management and look forward to joining Ryley Wealth Management once my playing days are over. Having that there allows me to completely focus on my cricket with any further external pressures of what’s next
“Professional Cricket can be extremely unpredictable and therefore it’s nice to have something there as a fall-back option to keep me going and motivated to achieve everything I can for Derbyshire.
“In my game it helped a lot in taking some of the emphasis and pressure away from the cricketing side. Guys put a lot of pressure on themselves, it’s a tough enough sport as it is.
“The more people can start thinking about life outside of cricket the better I think, it’s helped me massively not to put all my eggs in one basket. Ultimately it helps when getting out on the field performing for the club.”
Over the winter, the PCA underwent a number of groundbreaking changes, including the introduction of England Men’s team representation in a voting capacity, with Chris Woakes taking the role , and each of the eight Women’s regions also now having PCA reps.
Dal is excited to be able to drive change within the sport and looking forward to seeing what’s next for the PCA.
“The PCA is a fantastic organisation and gives a lot back to the players. It’s nice to have that extra voice, representation and impetuous off-field to support us as people.”
“My role means that I get to give something back to the lads here at Derbyshire, and hopefully put us in a position with a little bit more of a voice as a club in the standing of the game.”
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