Dubai Welcomes Smriti Mandhana’s Citi Cricket Academy
Indian women’s cricket team icon Smriti Mandhana, along with renowned British coach and former Assam cricketer Don – Anshuman Bhagawati, has inaugurated an international training center named “Citi Cricket Academy” at the Dubai International Academy Al Barsha.
Smriti Mandhana officially announced the launch during a press conference organized yesterday by Cricket Predicta. The academy, which will operate under her supervision, is set to become Dubai’s first state-of-the-art cricket training center. Open to boys and girls of all ages, the academy will also have Don’s wife, a former England cricketer, as a mentor.
Speaking at the press conference, Mandhana said:
“This academy has not been launched just for training purposes. The main aim is to inspire young cricketers from around the world to dream big, think seriously about their careers, and establish themselves as professional players. Don and his family have always welcomed me as one of their own. Our goal is to encourage the aspiring mindset of young boys and girls and to prepare them to confidently take on the challenges of elite-level cricket.”
Coach Don, who expressed pride in being part of a Dubai-based academy, praised Mandhana’s timely commitment and said:
“Smriti exemplifies the highest level of dedication and integrity in cricket. Now she wants to give back in the same spirit. I believe the Citi Cricket Academy will greatly enrich opportunities for the next generation.”
The academy aims to offer structured training programs, involve current and former players as mentors, and provide international exposure through exchange programs with partner academies in Britain and India.
Cricket Predicta, which is playing the role of a strategic partner in this initiative, also expressed pride in being part of the project.
It is worth mentioning that with Don’s two decades of elite coaching experience combined with Smriti’s contemporary international insights, the academy is set to become a unique hub for nurturing young cricketing talent.
Also Read : Technician at Gurugram Hospital Arrested Over ICU Sexual Assault of Air Hostess