Swashbuckling former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has declared it was a “no brainer” to launch his first cricket academy in Dubai.
Pietersen, 34, is set to strengthen his ever-increasing ties with the UAE this January when his new state-of-the-art facility opens.
The academy will provide children aged from seven to 18 from the Emirates and beyond the chance to benefit from outstanding coaching and personal guidance from one of the world’s greatest players.
Speaking at a press conference to announce Al Nabooda Insurance Brokers as sponsors, Pietersen spoke about his new venture.
“Because of the other interests I have, Dubai is a place I have frequented quite a bit. Seeing the energy, buzz and demographics made me know it was a no brainer,” he told reporters.
“I wanted to bring cricket to somewhere I knew we could make a lot of difference. It is pretty much a blank canvas. We have been given a wonderful opportunity at Kings’ School Al Barsha to give kids a first-class facility, be coached in a first-class way and leave them enriched, in love and full of joy in terms of the game of cricket.
“When I finish, or probably have finished, in international cricket, where I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time using amazing facilities, there are a lot of people who have not had that opportunity. I want to bring that opportunity here.”
Despite seeing the probable end of his international career, his lethal power-hitting ensures he remains in much demand on the global T20 circuit.
The power-hitter is set to feature for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash from December prior to another IPL campaign with the Delhi Daredevils.
The South Africa-born star has no plans to rein in his playing commitments just yet, but has guaranteed he will be a significant presence at the Kevin Pietersen Cricket Academy Dubai.
Pietersen, whose business interests in the city also extend to an involvement with Eden Beach Club at Rixos The Palm, added: “I am quite busy but I want every intake to have the chance to meet me. London is not very far. I want to be hands on.
“I won’t give you a number, but I want a direct involvement. I want to make the time as I am really passionate about the cricket academy. I am going to commit a lot of time.
“There will also be a facility where the kids will be able to get in a room and no matter where I am in the world we will tap into a Skype conversation and talk cricket, nutrition and life.”
The academy is set to be opened in January next year.