ECB plans to streamline cricket academies in UAE

MOVE COMES AFTER CLOSURE OF SEVERAL HIGH PROFILE ACADEMIES

- BY A.K.S. SATISH

In the wake of the abrupt closure of several high-profile academies — the latest being the temporary pause of the Rohit Sharma Academy in the UAE — the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is moving swiftly to establish a regulatory framework for cricket academies operating across the country.

The governing body’s move comes as coaches and senior administrators call for greater scrutiny, transparency, and long-term planning in youth cricket development.

“The Emirates Cricket Board is working on a registration process, which includes cricket academies based in the UAE,” an ECB spokesperson told Gulf News. “The process is expected to be completed soon. Once the process is formalised and put into action, all cricket academies operating in the UAE will need to register with the ECB. The board will monitor these academies to ensure compliance with its policy, procedures and guidelines.”

The ECB is the recognised governing body of cricket in the UAE. It is responsible for overseeing all aspects of play within the four councils — Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, and Sharjah as well as in the other emirates.