Dubai: The former England batsman and Delhi Daredevils captain is set to launch his cricket academy in Dubai.
Pietersen, who was here to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), initiated the move after discussions with people who had agreed to provide support. Before the last match for Delhi Daredevils in the UAE, he even gave a hint of the academy through his Twitter account, saying: “Wheels in motion and first intake will be in October.”
Pietersen on Sunday announced in New Delhi that he will start off with an academy in Dubai and then set up another in India.
During the IPL, Delhi Daredevils had entered into a tie-up with Dubai-based G Force Cricket Academy to stage coaching clinics in the UAE during the next year. Pietersen, though being the captain of the Delhi Daredevils, did not address the press conference called to announce the tie-up. Moreover, Delhi Daredevils also announced that they will soon be launching an academy.
Pietersen announced that his academy will be a state-of-the-art facility and will be for children from seven to 18 years of age. However, he revealed that the venue has not been confirmed.
“There will be different courses and we will encourage kids from all over the world to come to take up the course for two weeks,” said Pietersen, who was at the Ambedkar Stadium as Adidas brand ambassador to announce the city’s two lucky winners who will be flying to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil as flag bearers for one of the matches.
“I am going to fund a lot of disadvantaged kids and will have a hands-on approach towards the academy.
“It’s been really quite exciting for me, entering a fantastic journey and I am looking forward to it, I can’t wait for it to start. It [the academy in Dubai] is the first one of many.”
