Indian cricketer partners with Dubai's Kings' Education on cricket academy

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has partnered with Kings' Education to bring his GenNext Academy to Dubai.

Ashwin will serve as the brand ambassador and chief mentor for GenNext Kings' Cricket Academy, which will provide coaching for players of all ages and skill levels.

Commenting on the partnership, Ashwin said: "I am extremely delighted with the launch of GenNext Kings' Academy in Dubai. This partnership is definitely going to contribute to continuous improvement in coaching techniques with a flavour of innovation and drive to excel. Further this would open the door for the budding youngsters to be inspired by the current playing cricketers apart from learning the tricks of the trade and lessons the hard way."

Facilities at the academy will include four indoor nets, six outdoor astro-turf nets, video analysis technology with high speed cameras, professional bowling machines, audio-visual lecture rooms, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a clinic staffed by qualified medical professionals. Phase 2 of the academy will feature a full-size turf pitch, cricket oval, and multiple turf pitch cricket nets with floodlights.

The academy will be led by South African coach Kobus Olivier, who also serves as director of cricket at Kings'. Commenting on the partnership, he said: "As director of cricket at Kings' this academy offers me the opportunity to put a sustainable coaching programme in place, where we can offer students the opportunity to develop their cricketing skills under the guidance of internationally qualified coaches as part of the school cricket programme, as well as the academy programme. This will ensure that the student get the best possible coaching experience during their time at Kings'."