Youth cricket in Nelson Tasman is gathering momentum thanks to an academy that has just completed its first season in the region.
AB Academy, led by Wellington based head coach Ankur Bassi, has been operating in Nelson Tasman for the past several months, with more than 20 young cricketers honing their skills each week. Nelson mens coach Sean Neal takes the weekly sessions, with Ankur flying down at least once a month.
AB Academy has been a strong presence in Wellington cricket for more than a decade, but the close relationship between Ankur and Sean saw it expand to Nelson ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“Sean and I played together in Wellington for many years, and we have remained close friends since Sean moved down. I came to Nelson for a look and to help Sean with the Griffins and was impressed with the talent and desire for people to learn. It was then that I thought I’d love to be down here helping the young cricketers in Nelson.”
Since the academy launched, Sean says there have been several success stories.
“It’s great to see people starting to realise their potential in the cricket space thanks to their work in the academy. This season George Aerakis has made the Central Districts 17’s team, Fintan Batt has played a lot of cricket for the mens Griffins side, and there have been huge improvements with the girls who have joined.”
Ankur has a long list of cricketers he has helped progress to the first class and international stage, most recently Blackcaps off spinning all-rounder Michael Bracewell. Bracewell joined the coaching crew for a session earlier this season, working with aspiring spinners and batters in the Nelson region. According to academy member Sam John, the opportunities AB Academy offers are too valuable to pass up.
“To have someone of Ankur’s experience helping you tweak little things others might not notice is fantastic. I’m certainly more confident in my process now when it comes to training and game day.”
Although the current season is wrapping up, Ankur and Sean are already planning winter programmes.
“We’re absolutely moving forward from here,” Sean says. “There are so many great young cricketers here in the region and we want to work with as many as possible, continuing with this off season.”
