IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals is all set to launch their second cricket academy in the UAE. Royals will unveil the academy at the new Malek Stadium in Ajman next month. They opened their first academy last year in Dubai. They have one academy in London as well. The academy will start on August 28 and the operations of the first day will be free for children of all ages.
Former UAE head coach and Warwickshire all-rounder Dougie Brown has been appointed as the academy director of both establishments in the UAE.
“Ajman is a hub of cricket, it’s an important strategic place for the Rajasthan Royals and we want to make sure we have an impact across the whole of the UAE. In doing that, we hope that we allow UAE cricketers to express themselves and become as good as they possibly can be.”
❓ What does it mean to #PlayTheRoyalsWay? Our new Academy Director @dougie1brown explains.
🗣️ "The @rajasthanroyals way is all about innovation, it's about pushing your own boundaries, it's about accepting that nothing is impossible."#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily pic.twitter.com/RdLUycETCu
— Rajasthan Royals Academy UAE (@rracademyuae) August 11, 2021
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals CEO Mike Fordham has further asserted the UAE is the hub of global sports at the moment. It is set to host the second half of the season followed by the T20 World Cup as well. UAE successfully hosted IPL 2020 as well and the success of that season has made it a good venue to host international T20 tournaments.
“The academy in Ajman will help provide opportunities to the population outside of Dubai, to train and learn amidst world class facilities and coaches. The academy will form part of our global vision to engage a larger cricketing population, whilst driving the Royals brand in key strategic markets.”
Rajasthan Royals Resumes IPL 2021 Season Against PBKS
The Royals are will resume their season in the UAE by playing their first match against Punjab Kings on September 21. They play their last league game against KKR on October 7. So far in the first seven games the side has won three games from seven matches in total. They have a net run rate of -0.190 at the moment.
The second half of IPL 2021 resumes on September 19 with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians kicking off the leg which is set to host 31 matches including the playoffs and the final.
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