In Mumbai, a noticeable trend has emerged where students from school cricket teams are choosing to homeschool, raising alarms about its potential effects on local talent and educational standards. While prestigious cricket schools like VN Sule and Swami Vivekanand continue to champion traditional education, several institutions are embracing more flexible learning options.
The dilemma lies in the fact that although homeschooling allows students to juggle their academic pursuits with sports, it also poses challenges regarding fairness and the integrity of academic results. There is a growing concern that students from other states may relocate to Mumbai, enroll in schools with lenient homeschooling policies, and subsequently overshadow local cricket competitions like the Giles Shield and Harris Shield.
This situation could discourage homegrown talent, as local players might feel they cannot compete against these newcomers who have the luxury of more time dedicated to cricket due to their homeschooling arrangements.
Moreover, the academic integrity of those attending schools with stricter educational standards could be at risk, placing them at a disadvantage. In Maharashtra, the regulations surrounding homeschooling remain ambiguous, particularly for children aged six to fourteen. While the Right to Education Act mandates formal schooling, it does not clearly address homeschooling.
There is an urgent need for defined homeschooling regulations, a centralized system to monitor academic progress, and an emphasis on prioritizing local students in inter-school competitions. Furthermore, schools should provide flexible schedules and academic assistance tailored for young athletes, or else the future of both cricket and education in Mumbai could be at stake.
Jagdish Achrekar previously served as the Treasurer of the MCA before the 2022 elections.
The opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.