DUBAI // Kevin Pietersen has been asked to assist with the campaign to attract Emiratis to cricket, a process that is already under way.
England’s all-time leading international run-scorer is in the UAE to promote his new cricket academy in Dubai. The coaching school will be operational at Kings School in Al Barsha starting in January.
However, programmes have already been delivered by the academy’s staff, including at the Rashid School for Boys, where pupils are UAE nationals.
Despite its long history in the UAE, cricket is yet to fully take hold among Emiratis. According to Richard Logan, the academy director, they were approached by David East, the chief executive of the Emirates Cricket Board, to help with the process.
“We have made big strides really quickly at Rashid School [after starting cricket, fitness and education courses there last month],” Logan said. “They said cricket in the school has gone mad. Children are going out and playing cricket at lunchtime.
“They used to be able to only get eight players to play in a team, whereas now we have 60 kids playing.”
Pietersen said the idea of an Emirati playing one of his trademark switch-hits while representing the UAE in an international match would be “absolutely amazing”.
“That is the aim,” he said. “If that happens, I will be absolutely made up. I think there is a blank canvas for cricket here. I am so excited to be giving kids the opportunity I have had.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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