Gary Kirsten is set to play a commanding role in developing the UAE’s emerging cricketers after signing a two-year deal with Abu Dhabi Cricket.
The World Cup-winning coach with India will bring four training camps to the Emirate later this year as part of the deal involving his academy specialists at Gary Kirsten Cricket.
The former South Africa batsman took time off from coaching Royal Challengers Bangalore to fly to the UAE and meet with executives to get the deal done.
Aiming to take the country’s cricket infrastructure to the next level, Kirsten said: “I’m looking forward to getting involved as well in coaching all age groups, which I just enjoy doing.”
“The main goal for us here in Abu Dhabi is to create a recognisable cricket and credible community that can become a hub in the cricketing world.
“I think that’s already been created and we would like to add some credibility to the best we can. We are a coaching business and we’ll go anywhere in the world to do that. I think that’s what separates us from the others.”
Alluding to the country’s plans for growing the game, Kirsten commented: “They have a big vision to grow this game in this region with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“What I have heard is there is an importance to grow the game of cricket. We run a coaching operation around the world for the last five to six years, and we have a fair amount of experience.
The UAE reached the Super Sixes in the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe earlier this year, but fell some way short of contending for one of the two qualifying spots by winning just one of their five matches.
