Rohit Sharma's Cricket Academy in Dubai Faces Sudden Closure Amid Payment Issues
Unexpected Closure of Rohit Sharma Cricket Academy
Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has found himself in an unforeseen predicament as his cricket academy in Dubai has abruptly shut down. The Rohit Sharma Cricket Academy was forced to close its doors due to unpaid salaries owed to several ICC-affiliated coaches working there.
Among those affected are former cricketers from various countries. The coaches have reported that their payments have been pending since April or May, receiving only verbal assurances, while their landlords are now demanding they vacate. Assistant coach Tiran Sandun Wijesuriya expressed his frustration, stating,
"I have no money to pay my rent. My landlord wants me out. I haven’t received a single dirham since May despite repeated assurances."
Chamani Seneviratne, a former cricketer from Sri Lanka, noted that while payments were initially consistent, they have ceased since May. Similarly, assistant coach Ayo Mene Ejegi, who has represented both Serbia and Nigeria, shared his dissatisfaction with the situation.
Financial Mismanagement Behind Academy's Closure
The Rohit Sharma Academy, launched in September as a collaboration between Suhas Pudota's Grasport and Rohit Sharma's Crickingdom, aimed to provide top-notch training for budding cricketers. However, its sudden closure highlights significant mismanagement and a lack of strategic planning.
In an interview with a local media outlet, Suhas acknowledged the high rental costs in Dubai, which can reach around AED 50,000 monthly. Initially optimistic about the Dubai market, he later deemed the venture "unsustainable."
Suhas departed Dubai in April, and by June 30, CricKingdom officially terminated its agreement with Grasport, citing misuse of Rohit Sharma's name and image. CricKingdom's CEO, Chetan Suryawanshi, revealed that an invoice from 2024 remains unpaid, and despite granting an extension until December, no recovery was evident by March.
Parents Express Discontent Over Academy's Operations
On May 28, Sushir Sharma, the Operations Head of CricKingdom, informed parents via WhatsApp that the academy would cease operations following inconsistent training sessions. CricKingdom assured parents that they would receive refunds for the remaining sessions, but payments have yet to be processed.
Numerous parents have lodged complaints with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) through its consumer rights division. One parent expressed feelings of betrayal for trusting solely in Rohit Sharma's name, while another criticized the vague promises made by the academy.
Additionally, one parent confirmed that Grasport's bank accounts and trade license have been frozen. For the affected coaches, CricKingdom plans to offer temporary positions in India until the academy reopens in Dubai, which is anticipated by September 2025.