Dubai parents to receive refunds as Rohit Sharma's CricKingdom prepares for a fresh cricket academy launch
In the wake of the sudden closure of the Grasport cricket academy in Dubai, parents are beginning to receive refunds through CricKingdom, the franchise that has stepped in to compensate around 30 parents who had paid in advance. However, some parents who were not initially part of the refund process are still seeking their money.
The closure of Grasport was due to its franchise partner's failure, and CricKingdom is currently restructuring its operations in the UAE, aiming to resume in a new form with improved facilities and certified coaches from September. The new academy is expected to start by this September, with registrations opening on August 15.
Chetan Suryawanshi, the CEO of CricKingdom, has committed to continuing cricket development for kids in Dubai and has intervened to compensate parents with applicable refunds despite the failure of Grasport Sports Academy. Sushil Sharma from CricKingdom's leadership team will oversee the establishment and operations of the new academy in the UAE.
Some parents have expressed interest in re-enrolling their children if the same coaches and location are retained from the old academy. Indian coach Sandeep Venkatraman is expected to sign a contract with CricKingdom in the coming weeks for the new UAE academy, joining Coach Venkatraman who is drawn to CricKingdom because they run a global institute and understand how things work, with their other academies around the world being successful.
However, several coaches associated with the Grasport franchise have not yet received their salaries and continue to await payment, indicating that the salary issues remain unresolved. Chetan Suryawanshi, the CEO of CricKingdom, believes coaches are the backbone of any cricket academy and remains committed to supporting their welfare. At least four coaches, unpaid for months by Grasport, have reached out to CricKingdom management seeking intervention and payment of their dues.
South African coach Francois Lombard has been offered a position at the new academy but is waiting for certain things to be sorted out before considering the offer. At least two coaches from the old academy have been approached by CricKingdom for the new academy, but it is unclear how many more will be approached.
Jigar Bhuptani, a parent, expressed gratitude to Khaleej Times for playing a role in helping parents get their refunds. One parent has expressed confidence in CricKingdom's new venture, while others are waiting to observe how the new academy settles before enrolling.
CricKingdom is launching a new flagship academy in the UAE, fully operated and managed by its core leadership team, marking a departure from its previous franchise model. The new academy promises improved facilities, certified coaches, and a commitment to the welfare of its coaches and parents.
- Despite the history of unpaid salaries for coaches at the now-closed Grasport Sports Academy, Chetan Suryawanshi, CEO of CricKingdom, remains committed to supporting their welfare.
- In the world of news, Chetan Suryawanshi, the CEO of CricKingdom, has intervened to compensate parents and is launching a new flagship academy in the UAE, aiming to provide better facilities, certified coaches, and improved business operations.
- While some parents are excited about the prospect of re-enrolling their children in the new CricKingdom academy due to the continuation of certain coaches, the environment of uncertainty surrounding the pay conditions for coaches from the old academy continues.
