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In a significant boost for youth cricket development in the United Arab Emirates, Indian cricketing star Smriti Mandhana has collaborated with renowned UK-based coach Don Bhagawati to inaugurate the City Cricket Academy by Smriti Mandhana. Located at the Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, the facility was officially unveiled during a press conference hosted by Cricket Predicta, heralding a new era for aspiring cricketers in the region.
Cricket Predicta backs Smriti Mandhana’s vision
The newly established academy is poised to become a state-of-the-art cricket development center, designed as a high-performance hub open to boys and girls across all age groups. The initiative uniquely blends Don Bhagawati’s extensive twenty years of elite coaching experience with Mandhana’s contemporary insights gained from her distinguished career in international cricket. The coaching team is further bolstered by the valuable presence of Don’s wife, a former England cricketer, who contributes significant experience and a nurturing perspective essential for a holistic coaching environment. Together, this experienced trio aims to cultivate an ecosystem that provides robust support for young talent, both on and off the field.
At the launch event, Mandhana articulated the deep personal and professional commitment driving her involvement in the academy. She described the facility as transcending the traditional concept of a training ground, viewing it as a platform dedicated to empowering young cricketers to pursue ambitious dreams, sharpen their critical thinking abilities, and foster personal growth. Mandhana shared that the warm, family-like support she has received from Don and his family was a key inspiration for this collaborative venture, born from a desire to give back to the sport that has played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
Don Bhagawati lauded Mandhana’s exceptional and timely dedication to grassroots cricket, noting her commitment while still actively competing at the sport’s highest level. He remarked that this academy potentially represents one of the pioneering instances where a global cricket icon has assumed a leadership role in nurturing young talent during their active playing career. Bhagawati expressed his immense pride in partnering with Smriti and conveyed strong confidence that the City Cricket Academy will exert a positive and lasting influence on future generations of cricketers.
City Cricket Academy to empower future cricketers
The City Cricket Academy is set to provide comprehensive, structured coaching programs complemented by mentorship opportunities from both current and former professional players. Aspiring cricketers will also benefit from potential international exposure through exchange programs with partner academies located in the UK and India. With a core focus on character building, developing confidence, and achieving cricketing excellence, the academy is strategically positioned to become a leading regional benchmark for cricket development.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
