While the IPL which is starting it’s 2020 version on Saturday in UAE will miss former India star Suresh Raina, the veteran cricketer is on a different mission in J&K. International cricketer Suresh Raina Today met J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar to announce the setting up of 10 cricket training schools for aspiring cricketers of the union territory. ALSO READ | IPL 13, MI vs CSK: Dhoni, Jadeja, Bravo Can Scale 'Major Records' In Series Opener

A press release issued by the Raj Bhawan said that the celebrity cricketer, on the request of Lt Governor, agreed to set up five schools in Kashmir division and an equal number in Jammu division to train the aspiring cricketers, particularly the youngsters from remote areas of the UT.

Suresh Raina while agreeing to the setting up of the academy, revealed that talent would be identified and selected from all regions of J&K, trained by professionals and would be equipped to play at the International level.

The Lt Governor Manoj Sinha appreciated the gesture of the cricketer and reiterated the government’s resolve of developing sports culture in the UT. ‘With sports and education, we shall give a new direction to the talented youth of J&K’, said the Lt Governor.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam besides other senior government functionaries to discuss the modalities for the setting up of Cricket academy by the former India cricketer.

Earlier Suresh Raina had written to J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh and sought help from police to help him in training local youth  through his cricket academy.