Rohit Sharma's cricket academy in Dubai refutes closure reports
Dubai: CricKingdom – a cricket academy by Rohit Sharma, promoted by Team India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma, is set to resume operations at its Dubai centre in September 2025 under new management.
The announcement comes after months of uncertainty, speculation, and reports suggesting a possible closure, especially following the suspension of training sessions in May 2025 due to financial difficulties involving its former franchise partner, Grasport Sports Academy.
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Watch: Dubai to open world’s first restaurant run by AI chef Launched in 2024The academy began its operations in September 2024 at three GEMS Education schools—Metropole, Winchester, and New Millennium—attracting over 35 families with the promise of expert coaching under Rohit Sharma’s brand.
Complaints and investigationKhaleej Times reports revealed that several coaches, including Tiran Sandun Wijesuriya, Chamani Seneviratne, and Ayo Mene Ejegi, had not been paid for several months.
Parents, who had paid in advance for coaching sessions that were later suspended, reported financial losses and filed complaints with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED), citing a lack of refunds and poor communication.
After training was halted, Grasport stopped responding, leaving families without clarity on payments or accountability. Its trade licence and bank accounts have reportedly been frozen pending investigation.
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The company pledged to provide certified coaches, upgraded infrastructure, and improved transparency. Staff affected by the closure have been offered interim roles in India.
Franchise issues timeline- July 30, 2024: CricKingdom signed a franchise agreement with Grasport Sports Academy after legal checks.
- October 1, 2024: Grasport failed to pay the agreed Minimum Monthly Guarantee (MMG) and requested a payment extension.
- December 31, 2024: Deadline extended, but dues remained unpaid.
- Early March 2025: Coaches began reporting salary delays.
- March 14, 2025: CricKingdom issued a closure notice to the franchise partner due to unresolved payments.
- April 21, 2025: Partial dues were cleared following repeated warnings.
- Mid-May 2025: ESM, the venue provider, blocked ground access due to unpaid facility fees.
- Late May 2025: Communication from Grasport ceased; partner reportedly returned to India.
- June 30, 2025: CricKingdom officially terminated the agreement and initiated plans to operate independently in the UAE.
Dubai continues to attract sports academies linked to Indian and international athletes. These include:
- MS Dhoni Cricket Academy, offering structured cricket coaching
- Sania Mirza Tennis Academy, focusing on professional tennis development
- Spanish Soccer Schools by Michel Salgado
- Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy-affiliated programmes
These institutions provide world-class training in cricket, football, tennis, and more.
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