Rohit Sharma academy in Dubai denies closure reports, to return in September

Dubai: Contrary to reports suggesting that the Rohit Sharma Academy — fronted by India ODI captain Rohit Sharma — has shut down in the UAE, the academy has clarified that it is in the process of forming a new company and will resume operations in September.

“At CricKingdom – A Cricket Academy by Rohit Sharma, we sincerely value the trust that parents and students have placed in us,” read a statement from CricKingdom, which also operates in Singapore, the USA, and India, specifically in schools.

“We understand the importance of providing a consistent, high-quality cricketing environment, and we remain fully committed to restoring and continuing our academy’s presence in the UAE. CricKingdom is currently in the process of legally forming a new company in the UAE that will directly oversee operations, bringing enhanced infrastructure, certified coaches, and a renewed focus on student development.”

Reports on Tuesday stated that Grasport Sports Academy, in association with CricKingdom by Rohit Sharma, had abruptly ended operations in May this year, leaving 35 students in limbo.

Launched in 2024 by Grasport Sports Academy (GSA) in collaboration with the CricKingdom by Rohit Sharma brand, the academy had promised world-class coaching in the UAE.

However, CricKingdom has now released a detailed timeline outlining events leading up to the current situation and their plans moving forward:

Timeline of Events:

• 30 July 2024 – Franchise agreement signed with the partner after legal and background checks.

• 1 September 2024 – Operations began at GEMS Metropole, GEMS Winchester, and GEMS New Millennium schools. Coaching staff provided by CricKingdom, following interviews conducted by Sushil Sharma.

• 1 October 2024 – Invoice raised for Minimum Monthly Guarantee (MMG) as per agreement.

• October–December 2024 – Franchise partner requested an extension for MMG payment; deadline extended to December.

• January 2025 – Internal consideration of termination due to continued non-payment. Decision deferred due to positive feedback from coaches and parents.

• Early March 2025 – Coaches reported non-payment of salaries. Issue escalated.

• 14 March 2025 – Closure email sent to the franchise partner.

• Mid-March 2025 – Franchise partner cited financial constraints, requested time until April, and assured payments to coaches.

• 21 April 2025 – Dues finally cleared after CricKingdom reiterated intent to terminate the agreement.

• Mid-May 2025 – ESM confirmed no payments had been made by the franchise partner and denied further access to grounds.

• Post mid-May 2025 – Communication ceased from Suhas; his partner Ram informed CricKingdom that Suhas had returned to India due to a personal emergency.

• 21 May 2025 – CricKingdom representative flew to Dubai. ESM advised forming a new company to restart operations in September.

• Late May 2025 – Other indoor venues were unwilling to partner due to the franchise partner’s unfulfilled promises.

• 28 May 2025 – Suhas publicly promised refunds in the parents’ group and personally committed to settling dues by 30 June.

• 29 May 2025 – Sushil addressed the parents’ group, announcing CricKingdom’s plan to operate independently from September.

• 30 June 2025 – No further response from the franchise partner. Official termination notice issued and demand for settlement of outstanding dues made.

• September 2025 – Operations will resume under direct management by CricKingdom’s global team, following the incorporation of its legal entity in the UAE.

CricKingdom reiterated its commitment to providing world-class cricket coaching, certified trainers, upgraded infrastructure, and transparent communication.

“We are actively working to resolve all queries and concerns of parents with care and a mutually agreeable approach,” the statement concluded.