Indian captain Rohit Sharma faces a massive setback as his cricket academy in Dubai, which was opened back in 2024, was shut down due to financial trouble. This led to a refund issue and pending salary payments to the trainers.
Rohit Sharma expanded his academy in Dubai by partnering with CricKingdom, a sports academy that deals with marketing and promoting Rohit Sharma’s brand overseas. Support staff and trainers have also alleged that their salaries have been pending for over two months.
Rohit Sharma’s Dubai Academy Drew Hopes Through CricKingdom Partnership
Rohit Sharma expanded his academy in Dubai by partnering with CricKingdom, a sports academy that deals with marketing and promoting Rohit Sharma’s brand overseas. Riding on Rohit's popularity, the venture attracted many young and budding cricketers who hoped to hone their skills under a reputed banner which could earn them opportunities.
“We joined with high expectations because of the Rohit Sharma name. The marketing was built entirely around Rohit, with his pictures prominently featured during promotions and trials. We thought the brand would ensure quality,” said Jithil, a parent, in an interview with Khaleej Times.
Irregular Classes and Sudden Closure Leave Parents Seeking Refunds
However, trouble reportedly began around April and May 2025, when classes became irregular. Parents were later informed via text that the academy would be shutting down.
Many students had already paid for a full year’s training. With classes discontinued, families are still awaiting refunds.
“On May 28, parents were informed through WhatsApp by Sushil Sharma, CricKingdom's global operations head, that Grasport would no longer run the academy and would handle refunds for the remaining sessions,” Jithil added.
Unpaid Staff Speak Out as Silence from Rohit Sharma’s Camp Continues
Meanwhile, members of the coaching staff are also struggling. Assistant coach Tiran Sandun Wijesuriya shared a troubling account of his financial state.
“I have no money to pay my rent, and my landlord has asked me to vacate the room. I have nowhere to go. I haven't been paid since May. I pleaded with them multiple times, but all I received were empty promises,” he said.
As of now, Rohit Sharma and his team have not released any official statement addressing the closure or the unresolved issues. Families of the affected students and staff continue to demand answers.
