Rajasthan Royals to be the first IPL franchise to launch a cricket academy in UAE on Oct 12

The Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday announced that they would be launching a cricket academy in the UAE on October 12.

This will be their first academy in the Middle East and their second academy, worldwide. With this, the franchise has also become the first team in the IPL to establish operations in the UAE.

According to a press release, the team’s UAE academy is being operated in partnership with UAE-based sports consulting firm RedBear Sports. It is aimed at establishing a global presence of the franchise as a cricketing brand and promoting the sport around the world

"We're delighted to launch our first Royals academy in the UAE. The UAE is a modern hub for cricket, with players and teams from around the globe visiting due to its world-class infrastructure and facilities, such as those in the Sevens facility.

“The large subcontinent population makes it a great place for cricket to grow and expand and we are delighted to support in this process and to strengthen the already rapidly improving the UAE national side," Rajasthan Royals COO Jake Lush McCrum



said.

"Through this academy, we hope to accentuate the growth of the sport in the country, providing resources and structure to training that helps the talented youngsters to take the step to the next level," added Lush McCrum.

Girls and boys aged 6-19 will be able to access world-class coaching, with participants having the option of choosing between one to one sessions, team sessions, or group sessions, the release added.

All the sessions will take place under the guidance of Academy Director and former Zimbabwe captain, Graeme Cremer and his highly qualified coaching team.

The Sevens Stadium facility is known for hosting the Emirates Airline Rugby 7s alongside its world-class cricket facilities.

The venue boasts of three world-class ovals, two of which are floodlit, 6 floodlit turf nets and fully equipped changing rooms of the highest standards, suitable for participants of all ages.

The facilities have been frequently used by travelling county and international teams. Most recently, the facilities were used by the IPL teams, including Rajasthan Royals during their preparation for the ongoing tournament.