Rajasthan’s aspiring cricketers are in for a treat as they will soon have access to a top-notch training center that will help them improve their skills and excel in their careers. Rajasthan Royals, the IPL franchise owned by Royals Sports Group, known for its dedication to nurturing young cricketing talent, has announced the launch of a new cricket academy in Jaipur.
In partnership with the PS Sports Agency in Jaipur, the Rajasthan Royals Cricket Academy aims to foster cricket development in the state and provide talented individuals, both men and women, with the opportunity to learn the sport the Royals way. The academy, scheduled to open early next year, will be situated at the PS Sports Excellence Arena on Ring Road, Muhana. This academy will serve as a foundation for future academies that the franchise plans to establish in Rajasthan in the coming years.
The Rajasthan Royals Cricket Academy in Jaipur will offer a comprehensive coaching curriculum, catering to aspiring male and female cricketers of all age groups. Over the years, the franchise has demonstrated a strong commitment to grassroots cricket development in Rajasthan through various programs and tournaments that aim to promote the sport and unearth talent. One such initiative is the Royal Sparks and Colts Program, which identifies and nurtures young cricketers across Rajasthan, providing them with expert coaching and year-round support.
The Rajasthan Royals Cricket Cup, inclusive of both genders and various age groups, has been a successful tournament in the state. In the most recent edition, over 700 Under-19 girls from more than 50 schools across eight districts participated in September-October 2023.
The Royals have actively engaged with local talent, recruiting players and net bowlers for the IPL. Through trials and coaching camps, they fast-track the development of these young athletes, empowering them to realize their dreams of representing not just the Royals, but also their state team and the nation.
What makes this opportunity even more exciting is that aspiring cricketers who train at the academy will have the chance to compete against other Royals’ Academies, receive guidance from Royals’ coaches and scouts, gain access to the Royals’ High-Performance Centre in Nagpur, and learn from former and current star players of the Royals.
Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer of Rajasthan Royals, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, stating, “The upcoming Rajasthan Royals Cricket Academy in Jaipur is a significant development for our franchise as we look to further support grassroots cricket in the state. The quality facilities will enable us to develop a large pool of male and female players who we hope will be the future stars of Rajasthan and Indian cricket.”
Former Royals’ player Pankaj Singh, who was part of the inaugural IPL-winning Royals’ team, attended the announcement in Jaipur. He expressed his delight at seeing the Rajasthan Royals taking this step to enhance the quality of cricket in the state. Singh believes that the Rajasthan Royals Cricket Academy will provide a platform for young cricketers in Jaipur and its neighboring areas to refine their skills, unlock their potential, and inspire them to aspire to play for India, Rajasthan, and the Royals.
Following the official launch of the academy, the Royals have plans to send promising players to the Nagpur center for further development.