Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy Expands to Saudi Arabia with New Centre in Jeddah

The JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy has expanded its global presence with the launch of its first academy in the Gulf region through a new centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The latest addition strengthens Delhi Capitals' international academy network as the franchise continues its mission to make quality cricket coaching more accessible across the world.

The new academy will operate in partnership with JSC Sports, the first international cricket academy in Jeddah. The centre currently trains more than 50 boys and girls between the ages of five and 17 across four development categories, providing aspiring cricketers with structured long-term development opportunities.

Structured Coaching Programme for Young Cricketers

Under the partnership, the Jeddah academy will implement the Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy's structured coaching curriculum, technical framework and player development philosophy. Young cricketers will have access to ICC-certified coaches, high-performance training facilities, specialised coaching tools, performance monitoring, exchange programmes, training camps and opportunities across the wider Delhi Capitals Academy network.

The initiative aims to provide players with a globally connected development pathway while preparing them to compete at international standards.

Supporting Cricket's Growth in Saudi Arabia

The expansion comes as cricket continues to gain popularity across Saudi Arabia, supported by the country's Vision 2030 programme, which has accelerated investment in sports and grassroots development. The partnership seeks to contribute to this momentum by strengthening cricket's talent pipeline and creating new opportunities for young players across the region.

"The launch of our first academy in the Middle East is another important step in the long-term vision of the Delhi Capitals Academy. Our objective has always been to build a globally connected cricket development ecosystem where young players irrespective of geography have access to opportunities. Saudi Arabia is a growing sporting nation and we are delighted to partner with JSC Sports, who share our commitment in developing the game at the grassroots globally," said Sunil Gupta, CEO of Delhi Capitals.

JSC Sports' Contribution to Saudi Cricket

As the first international cricket academy in Jeddah, JSC Sports has played a key role in developing the local cricket ecosystem. Around 10 of its trainees have represented Saudi Arabia across various national age-group categories.

The academy's girls' team won the Saudi National Games 2024 title, while its collaboration with the Saudi Cricket Federation has included hosting selection trials for the Saudi Men's National Team.

"Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sport under Vision 2030, and we're seeing more young people take up cricket than ever before. We saw a real opportunity to give aspiring cricketers in Jeddah access to professional coaching and a clear development pathway. Partnering with Delhi Capitals helps us do exactly that. As the first international cricket academy in Jeddah, we're excited to bring global coaching standards to young players here and create opportunities," said Jazim Haris, Head of Operations, JSC Sports.

Delhi Capitals' Global Academy Network Continues to Grow

With the launch of the Jeddah centre, the Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy now operates 13 centres across five countries. The network includes seven academies in India and six international centres across the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The expanding academy ecosystem is designed to facilitate the exchange of coaching expertise, player development programmes and international exposure, while strengthening Delhi Capitals' presence across emerging and established cricket markets.

About Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy

The Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy is the grassroots development initiative of the Delhi Capitals franchise. Through its growing network of academies in India and overseas, it aims to provide aspiring cricketers with world-class coaching, structured player development pathways and opportunities to train within an international high-performance environment.

 

(Inputs from Press Release)