MS Dhoni inaugurates his first global cricket academy in Dubai

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made the headlines yet again, this time for his contribution to the sport off the pitch. The two-time World Cup winning skipper inaugurated his first global cricket academy in Dubai on Saturday. Jointly launched by Dubai-based Pacific Sports Club and Aarka Sports Club, the academy has been named as MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA) and will feature coaches from India. The institution has already been in operation for a couple of months at the Springdale School in Al Quoz.

The academy promises to conduct and host matches at regular intervals along with making the trainees play in tournaments to allow them professional exposure. According to reports, the academy is equipped with different facilities including four turf, three cement and three matted pitches, spin and swing bowling machine, safety nets, lights for night practice, in-house sports shop for quality cricket gear and video analysis. It also aims to engage parents in their ward’s overall development while they train.

Speaking about his newly-launched academy, an upbeat Dhoni said, “I am delighted to be a part of this venture and will contribute in every way possible to make it a success. It has been my dream to contribute to the game in every way possible. This is the first step in that direction. The enthusiasm of the trainees is what will drive this venture.”

The coaching staff will be led by former Mumbai bowler Vishal Mahadik

Former Mumbai bowler Vishal Mahadik has been bestowed with the role of leading the coaching staff, which is well equipped to manage the progress of the students. This is a milestone for the UAE’s development in cricket as the academy would help nurture and cultivate the brewing talent of the country which would, in turn, enrich their national team. Besides, Dhoni is also supposed to fly to Dubai frequently to give hands-on training to the budding cricketers.

You can see a video of the inauguration ceremony below:

Inaugurating ' MS Dhoni Cricket Academy ' in Dubai @msdhoni
Video Credit : @pacific_club @parvezkhan35 #MSDhoni #Dhoni #PacificSportsClub #msdca #Dubai #MSDinDubai #springdalesschooldubai pic.twitter.com/96ANLZWR2P

— MS Dhoni 7781 (@msdhoni_7781) November 11, 2017