Men's tour to India 2024

• Accommodation
• Airfare to and fro to India
• All food expenses while in India (does not cover your food expenses while in transit or at the airports)
• All internal travel within India including any air travel
• Hutt Hawks clothing both for players and non-players
• Ground hire
• Local liaison
• Local coaches

• Personal shopping expenses
• Alcohol (If you are under 18 it’s assumed you won’t be drinking)
• Travel insurance – We may look at the option of group travel insurance that can cover covid related delays/changes to itinerary + any medical costs if diagnosed with Covid while overseas. Travel insurance is a must for all travelers. Ideally costs around $90 per person for the duration of the trip.
• Visa expenses (Depends on nationality, quote your nationality to confirm) – $30 per traveler on NZ passport payable to Indian High Commission (Varies depending on the passport you hold). We are not able to apply for visa on your behalf and you will have to apply on your own. Step by step instructions will be provided on how to go about applying for visa.
• Medical expenses if required
• Vaccinations

We will only be paying an advance towards ticket booking and only be drawing tickets closest to the date of travel (45 days prior travel). If for any chance the tour will have to be called off full refund including the deposit towards ticket will be made available.

In the case of the group going ahead with the travel but only an individual and his/her family have to pull out due to covid or a change of date is required the insurance will cover the costs. If a person has to pull out of the tour very close to the date of travel, say like a day or two prior to travel then the refund baring the tickets will be provided by Hutt Hawks but the insurance will have to cover for the refund of the ticket charges.

In our experience, we have found that sightseeing activities are not a high priority for most players. Given the intensive nature of the games, players often prefer to relax and rejuvenate during their downtime, choosing to spend leisure time at the hotel or in the pool. While we have attempted to incorporate sightseeing into our itinerary in the past, it generally hasn’t aligned well with the players’ preferences and their need to rest for upcoming games. Therefore, our current packages focus more on providing ample rest and relaxation opportunities rather than organized sightseeing tours.

The duration of the flight travel for this trip can vary, but it typically ranges between 18 to 24 hours. This duration is dependent on the specific flight routes and any layovers that may be part of the journey. We understand that this is a significant amount of time to be traveling, so we ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for the comfort and well-being of our players and accompanying members during the flight. This includes selecting flights with the best available amenities and scheduling appropriate rest periods. Our aim is to make the travel experience as smooth and comfortable as possible, ensuring that everyone arrives at the destination refreshed and ready for the upcoming activities and games.

At this stage, it’s too early to specify the exact airline carrier we will be using for our flights. However, our selection criteria for the airline will be focused on several key factors to ensure the best possible travel experience for everyone involved.

Firstly, we prioritize flexibility in flight scheduling. This is crucial to accommodate any unforeseen changes in our itinerary and to provide us with the ability to adjust travel plans as needed. Secondly, we look for airlines that offer a generous baggage allowance. Given that we will be carrying cricket equipment along with personal luggage, having a maximum baggage carrying capacity is essential.

In the past, our approach was to choose airlines that offered the most economical rates, aiming to keep the overall tour costs lower. However, this strategy sometimes led to challenges, such as cancelled flights and lost baggage, which in turn affected the overall experience and disrupted our cricketing schedule. Learning from these experiences, our focus this time is on selecting an airline that is known for its punctuality, reliability, and overall quality of service. We want an airline that we can count on to be prompt and on time, minimizing any potential disruptions to our plans.

The slight increase of $500 in the tour cost this year reflects our commitment to enhancing the travel experience. This adjustment in the budget is intended to ensure that we partner with an airline that aligns with our standards of reliability and service, ultimately contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable tour for everyone.

Our accommodation arrangements are designed to ensure comfort and convenience for both players and their accompanying family members. Here’s how we’ve structured it:

1. Twin Sharing Basis:
   • Accommodations for the tour are primarily organized on a twin-sharing basis. This means that each room will be shared by two individuals. This arrangement not only fosters camaraderie among players but also helps in managing the overall cost of accommodation more effectively.
2. Flexibility for Families:
   • Understanding the diverse preferences of families, we offer the flexibility for parents to stay with their children if they choose to do so. This option is particularly appreciated by those who prefer to be close to their young ones during the tour, providing them with a sense of comfort and security.
3. Quality and Convenience:
   • The hotels and accommodations selected for the tour are chosen with careful consideration of both quality and convenience. We ensure that the accommodations are comfortable, safe, and located in proximity to the cricket venues and other essential facilities. This minimizes travel time and maximizes rest and relaxation opportunities for both players and their families.
4. Special Requests and Arrangements:
   • We understand that some families or players may have special requests or needs regarding their accommodation. We are open to discussing these and will do our best to accommodate such requests, ensuring that everyone’s stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
5. Community Building:
   • The shared accommodation setup also plays a vital role in team building. It allows players to bond with each other, share experiences, and build a sense of community and teamwork, which is essential in a team sport like cricket.

In summary, our accommodation strategy is tailored to balance comfort, convenience, and the opportunity for team bonding. We strive to make the stay a pleasant part of the overall tour experience, ensuring that all participants feel relaxed and well-rested throughout the trip.

During your visit to Hyderabad, Anantapur, and Bangalore, you can expect a range of weather conditions, as this period typically marks the transition from the monsoon to the post-monsoon season in India.

1. Hyderabad:
   • In Hyderabad, the end of September and early October is generally warm. The temperatures usually range from the mid to high 20s°C (around 77-86°F). While the peak of the monsoon season would have passed, there might still be occasional showers, leading to slightly humid conditions.
2. Anantapur:
   • Anantapur experiences similar weather to Hyderabad during this time, with temperatures typically in the high 20s to low 30s°C (around 82-90°F). The region may have less rainfall compared to Hyderabad, but occasional showers can still occur.
3. Bangalore:
   • Bangalore, known for its relatively cooler and more temperate climate, will likely offer more comfortable weather conditions. Temperatures in Bangalore during this period are usually in the low to mid-20s°C (around 68-77°F). The city might experience some rain, but it is generally less humid than Hyderabad and Anantapur.

General Advice:

• Clothing: Given the warm temperatures, light and breathable clothing is advisable. Carrying a raincoat or umbrella might be beneficial, especially in Hyderabad and Anantapur.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially on warmer days. Ensure regular intake of water to avoid dehydration.
• Sun Protection: Use sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, or caps, especially during midday when the sun is at its peak.

Remember, these are general trends based on historical weather patterns. It’s always best to check the local weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more precise information.

Applying for a visa is a crucial step in your preparations for our tour, and Hutt Hawks is here to guide you through this process. However, it’s important to pay close attention to the timing of your application due to the date-dependent nature of visa validity. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Wait for Instructions from Hutt Hawks:
   • Do not apply for your visa until you receive specific instructions from us. We will provide detailed guidance on the entire process, tailored to the needs of our tour. Applying too early or too late can lead to complications, as visas are often date-specific and have fixed validity periods.
2. Timely Guidance and Support:
   • We will send you the visa application instructions in due course, ensuring there’s ample time for you to apply without the risk of the visa expiring before the tour or receiving it too late. Our guidance will include a recommended timeframe for submitting your application.
3. Simplified Application Process:
   • Our aim is to make the visa application process as straightforward as possible. We will provide step-by-step instructions, including how to fill out the application form and the necessary supporting documents you’ll need to gather.
4. Assistance with Documentation:
   • We will list and explain all the documents required for the visa application, such as your passport, photographs, travel itinerary, and any other relevant paperwork.
5. Support for Queries:
   • If you have any questions or concerns during the visa application process, our team will be available to assist you. We are here to help ensure that your application is completed correctly and efficiently.
6. Group Coordination:
   • Where possible, we may coordinate group visa applications to streamline the process for team members.

By following our instructions and applying for your visa within the specified timeframe, you can avoid any issues related to visa validity. We are committed to supporting all team members through this important step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free preparation for our exciting tour.

Effective communication is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in the tour. Over the years, we have experimented with various communication methods and have established a system that we find most efficient and user-friendly.

1. Preferred Communication Channel – WhatsApp:
   • After evaluating different platforms, we have found WhatsApp to be the most effective mode of communication for our needs. WhatsApp offers several advantages that make it ideal for our group:
     • Secure Communication: WhatsApp provides a secure platform for sharing information, ensuring privacy and data protection.
     • Media Sharing: The ability to upload and share media easily is crucial, especially for sharing updates, images, and videos related to the tour.
     • Mobile Convenience: The widespread use of mobile devices makes WhatsApp a convenient option for everyone, allowing for easy communication on the go.
2. Managing Message Volume:
   • We are aware that the volume of messages in group chats can sometimes be overwhelming. To manage this, we suggest turning off notifications for the group chat and checking the messages periodically at your convenience.
3. Limitations of Other Methods:
   • Emails: While emails are a traditional form of communication, we have found them less effective for our purposes. They can be cumbersome to manage, especially when dealing with multiple threads and replies. Additionally, there is a risk of emails ending up in junk or trash folders, leading to missed communications.
   • Facebook Messenger: Although we have used Facebook Messenger in the past, it does not offer the same level of convenience and accessibility as WhatsApp, especially for group communication.
4. Joining the WhatsApp Group:
   • Upon completion of the registration form, where you will upload the necessary documents and provide your phone number, you will be automatically added to our WhatsApp group.
   • Important: Please ensure that the phone number you provide is associated with your WhatsApp account. If you wish to include additional phone numbers (e.g., for family members), make sure to include them in the registration form.
5. Ensuring Inclusivity:
   • We aim to include everyone in the communication loop. If you have specific communication needs or preferences, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

By utilizing WhatsApp as our primary communication tool, we aim to keep everyone informed, connected, and engaged throughout the preparation and duration of the tour. We believe this approach will enhance the overall experience for all participants, ensuring that important information is shared promptly and efficiently.

🌐 Website:

• Visit us at Hutt Hawks for more information about our tours, teams, and events.

📱 Mobile/WhatsApp:

• Within New Zealand: 0220299358 or contact Neeraj Chawla on 022-6517381
  • Reach out to us for quick queries, updates, or instant messaging.
• Outside of New Zealand: +64-22-0299358
  • For our international participants, use this number to connect with us via call or WhatsApp.

📧 Email:

• huttcricket.info@gmail.com
  • For detailed inquiries, documentation, or official communication, feel free to drop us an email. We ensure to respond promptly.

Confirming your participation in the upcoming tour is a crucial step in our planning and team finalization process. Here’s how it works:

1. Preliminary Team Selection:
   • We have already made preliminary selections for what our teams will look like for the tour. However, it’s important to note that our rosters are not completely fixed yet. We aim to take 15 players that will be touring India. This number is carefully chosen to ensure we have adequate coverage for rest periods, potential injuries, and to manage player fatigue effectively during the tour.
2. Finalization Timeline:
   • The finalization of the teams is scheduled to take place in the month of December. This timeline allows us to assess the readiness and availability of players and make any necessary adjustments to the team composition.
3. Confirmation Requirements:
   • To confirm your participation, there are two key steps you need to complete:
     • Passport Submission: You will need to upload a copy of your valid passport. This is essential for us to proceed with the necessary travel arrangements, including flight bookings and accommodation reservations.
     • Deposit Payment: Along with the passport submission, you are required to pay a prescribed deposit. This deposit is part of the overall tour cost and serves as a confirmation of your commitment to participate in the tour.
4. Importance of Timely Confirmation:
   • Timely confirmation by participants is crucial for us to finalize logistical details and ensure a smooth and well-organized tour. It also helps in securing the best possible arrangements in terms of travel and accommodation, as well as in planning the match schedules and training sessions.
5. Communication and Support:
   • We understand that preparing for an international tour involves several steps and considerations. Our team is available to assist you with any questions or support you might need during the confirmation process. We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any concerns or require further information.

By following these steps and confirming your participation by the specified deadline, you will be helping us in creating a successful and memorable cricket tour. We look forward to having a talented and enthusiastic team representing us in India, and your timely confirmation plays a vital role in making this happen.

Throughout the trip, our team will have the opportunity to engage in matches against a diverse range of competitive teams. This includes first class sides, which are selected to represent various regions and are known for their high level of skill and teamwork. Additionally, we will be facing under 23s State sides, franchise/corporate cricket teams which are composed of players selected from specific state sides, and professional cricketers. These encounters with a variety of teams offer a rich competitive experience, allowing our players to test their skills against different playing styles and strategies.

• The first preference is always given to the players that have been part of the Hutt Hawks or our past India tours. Where possible we welcome new players as long as you are an enthusiastic cricketer and have represented cricket at decent level.
• Attitude, please personality and a likeable character is very much a requirement. Without these qualities the tour may not really be as enjoyable for both Hutt Hawks and the participant.
• Hutt Hawks is a very tight knit unit and we welcome players from all around New Zealand but the criteria for selection will heavily depend on the references you can get from your past coaches.

Our men’s tour primarily targets cricketers who have demonstrated a significant level of skill and experience in the sport. This includes:

1. Professional Cricketers: Those who play cricket as their main profession.
2. Semi-Professional Cricketers: Players who may not play cricket full-time but have attained a considerable level of expertise.
3. Provincial A Team Representatives: Such as Wellington A, Otago A, etc. These are players who represent the top-tier regional teams.
4. New Zealand Under 19 Representatives: Players who have been part of the national team at the Under 19 level.
5. Regional Under 19 Representatives: This includes teams like Wellington Under 19s, Northern Districts Under 19s, etc., comprising players who represent their regions at the Under 19 level.

Extended Eligibility:

We also welcome club-level cricketers who possess the capability to play at the regional Under 19 or A team levels but may have missed out on these opportunities for various reasons. However, it is important to note the following:

• Skill Level Consideration: The tour is designed for players with a high skill set in cricket. It is crucial that participants possess skills comparable to semi-professional standards.
• Self-Assessment of Skills: If you are considering participating, please assess your own cricketing skills critically. Ensure that your level of play is on par with professional or semi-professional opponents.
• Experience Expectations: Players whose skills do not align with semi-professional cricket might find the competitive level of the tour challenging. This mismatch could lead to less satisfactory personal performance and the feeling of being out of place in the highly skilled environment of the tour.

Conclusion:

This tour is an excellent opportunity for skilled cricketers to compete at a high level and showcase their talents. We encourage potential participants to realistically evaluate their abilities and experience before applying, ensuring that they can fully enjoy and benefit from the competitive and professional nature of the tour.

Our tour is privileged to have a diverse and experienced team of coaches. This team comprises both local and international experts, ensuring a well-rounded coaching experience for all participants.

New Zealand-Based Coaches:

1. Ravi Krishnamurthy: A seasoned coach based in New Zealand, Ravi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.
2. Neeraj Chawla: Also based in New Zealand, Neeraj is known for his strategic coaching approach and has a strong track record in enhancing player performance.

International Coaching Expertise:

• Syed Shahabuddin: A former first-class cricketer from India, Syed is currently holding several prominent coaching positions in India. His experience at the first-class level brings a unique depth to our coaching team.

Local Support:

• Cricket Wellington Coaches/Development Officers: We are fortunate to have coaches and development officers from Cricket Wellington accompany us regularly. They bring insights and a deep understanding of the New Zealand cricketing environment.
• Volunteer Coaches from New Zealand: Our team also includes volunteer coaches from New Zealand, who specialize in various aspects of the game, including fielding. These coaches offer their time and expertise to enrich our training sessions.

Collaboration with Indian Coaches:

• Local Indian Coaches: During our training sessions in India, we collaborate with several local coaches. These coaches bring a wealth of local knowledge and experience, greatly enhancing the training experience with their diverse coaching styles and techniques.

This eclectic mix of coaches from different backgrounds and areas of expertise ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted coaching experience for the players. Whether it’s technical skills, tactical understanding, or physical conditioning, our coaching team is equipped to cater to all aspects of the game, providing a holistic development environment for every participant on the tour.

Overview of Match Days:

• Total Playing Days: The tour includes 10 days of scheduled matches.
• Match Formats: We generally play a mix of one-day games and T20 matches. The typical structure is 5 one-day games and 5 T20s, but this can be adjusted based on the team’s needs and objectives.

Variations in Game Formats:

• Requests for Longer Formats: Occasionally, we receive requests from first-class sides to participate in 3-day or 4-day matches. While these offers are appealing, they are less common in our schedule for several reasons:
  • Duration of the Tour: Our tour is concise, lasting no more than 15 days. Incorporating longer-format games into such a tight schedule can be challenging.
  • Team Size and Player Opportunities: We aim to bring a squad of 15 players, ensuring that everyone gets ample opportunity to play. Sticking to white-ball games (one-day and T20s) allows us to provide more players with game time.
• Potential for Red-Ball Games: However, we are open to including one 3-day game in our itinerary, particularly if there is a higher participation from players who specialize in red-ball (longer format) cricket. This inclusion would depend on the composition and preferences of our touring squad.

Our goal is to balance the desire for competitive cricket with the practicalities of a short tour and the need to provide meaningful playing opportunities to all squad members. The final schedule is crafted to maximize the cricketing experience for our team while accommodating the diverse formats that enrich the tour.