Dhoni to open academy in Dubai

Dubai, August 16: Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced that he would set up a coaching academy in the Dubai Pacific Sports Club (PSC).

Dhoni, who will be joining the Indian team in Sri Lanka for the five-match one-day series starting on August 17, said he was happy to invest back in cricket, reported the Gulfnews.

"Sport has attained a global stature not just for fostering athleticism and sportsmanship, but also as a viable business platform that involves many different stakeholders, from small businesses to big conglomerates and organisations. I am delighted to be a part of the club and will contribute in any means possible to make it a success," said Dhoni.

Dhoni will join other Indian players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag -- who have already set-up cricket academies in their name here.

Announcing the tie-up with Dhoni, Parvez Khan of Pacific Ventures declared the academy would be named -- MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA).

"Pacific Sports Club is excited about its association with MS Dhoni. The PSC has all exclusive rights to MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA), not just in the UAE but other GCC countries, South Africa and the UK. Dhoni will be the brand ambassador for the academy and will be hands-on at the PSC with frequent visits.

"What makes this venture exciting is that this is for the first time ever that the cricketer is launching his academy and he chose Dubai for the launch of his new venture," said Khan who was also the owner of the Capricorn Commanders, a team that competed in the Masters Champions League.