Former India captain MS Dhoni to open cricket academy in Dubai

Denzil Pinto 23:30 14/08/2017
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  • Star in the UAE: Dhoni.

    Cricket in the UAE received a huge boost after Indian superstar Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced he will open his new cricket academy in Dubai.

    The 36-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman has teamed up with Pacific Sports Club (PSC) as they launch ‘MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA)’ and their operations in the emirate.

    Together, PSC and MSDCA will be working hand-in-hand to develop and launch training camps that will hopefully become a breeding ground for future professional athletes.

    Dhoni will visit the country next month after India’s ODI five-match series finishes in early September for a meet and greet and the 2011 World Cup winning skipper believes PSC could not have come at a better time.

    “Sports has attained a global stature not just for fostering athleticism and sportsmanship, but also as a viable business platform that involves many different stakeholders, from small businesses to big conglomerates and organizations,” said the former captain, who has scored more than 15,000 runs in his 463 international matches.

    “I am delighted to be a part of the club and will contribute in any means possible to make it a success.”

    For Parvez Khan, entrepreneur of Pacific Ventures, of which PSC sits under, he is excited to be working alongside one of the icons of the game.

    “Pacific Sports Club is excited about its association with Mahendra Singh Dhoni (popularly known as MS Dhoni), a superstar in the field of cricket sports,” he said.

    The partnership means PSC will have exclusive rights to MSDCA not just in the UAE but other nations in the GCC, South Africa and the UK.

    Dhoni himself will be the brand ambassador for the academy and will be hands-on at the PSC with frequent visits in Dubai.

    Khan has promised that the new academy will stand out from the others in the UAE.

    “While others offer just the facilities side of things, we will offer that at a high-level plus coaching and training as well as a strategic sports development programmes managed by some of our well-known and beloved sports personalities,” added Khan, who owned Capricorn Commanders – a franchise that competed in the inaugural Masters Champions League last year.

    Based in Springdales School, Al Khail, PSC will soon announce details of other activities and will partner with schools and colleges in the UAE.

    Khan also confirmed they will be partnering with schools and colleges in the UAE to offer PSC’s expertise in developing and managing athletic programmes, with a view to expand in other GCC countries, South Africa and the UK as part of its short-term growth strategy.

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