From Twenty20 games to Test matches, Dubai is a haven for cricket, with world-class facilities and a massive international fan base. We take a quick look at the best places to watch, play and learn the handsome game.
Where to watch a pro game
Home to the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 2005, Dubai is proudly at the centre of the global cricket scene. At the heart of the action is the impressive Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a 25,000-capacity venue in Dubai Sports City that has seen many cricketing greats face-off.
Coming up this season is the 14th Asia Cup Cricket tournament, with six teams competing in the two-week event. Between 15-28 September, join the lively international cricket fans expected to fill the seats every day of the tournament. Defending champions India will play Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Hong Kong during the series of thrilling 50-overs games.
The stadium also serves as the home ground to the Pakistan national team and will be hosting some mammoth games this season, as the resident team takes on Australia, then New Zealand.
The games are as follows:
Pakistan - Australia Dubai games
Tour Match: 29 September - 2 October
Test Match: 7-11 October
T20 Match 26 October
T20 Match 28 October
Pakistan, currently placed 7th in the ICC Test rankings, and Australia, third in the Test rankings, will clash in a four-day warm-up tour match at the International Cricket Council’s Academy in Dubai, followed by a Dubai Test match. Tim Paine’s Aussie side will then face Pakistan in two Twenty20 matches.
Pakistan - New Zealand Dubai games
T20 Match: 2 November
T20 Match: 4 November
Third ODI: 11 November
Second Test Match: 24-28 November
The Shaheens will then face New Zealand, placed fourth in the ICC test rankings, in two Twenty20 games. Then they’ll battle it out in three 50-over One Day International clashes, with the third ODI taking place at the Dubai stadium on 11 November, and the second Test of three scheduled in the UAE, set for 24-28 November.
Catch a match
Tickets for the Tests, ODIs and T20 matches sell out fast. But don’t despair - while you might not be able to watch the game live, there are dozens of venues across Dubai that screen games in cool, comfortable settings. Sports fans can head to Bidi Bondi on the Palm Jumeirah, a haven for Antipodean and South African sports fans with a chilled beach vibe. For a more urban feel, try the stunning Nezesaussi Grill in downtown Dubai, another haven for Aussies, Kiwis and Saffers, with food to match.
The ICC Academy offers a seasonal Cricket Fan Park, showing all major Indian Premier League Games on a giant screen. The AED50 entry ticket includes an AED30 food and beverage voucher, and there’s a guaranteed party atmosphere.
The Underground at Dubai Marina’s Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, The Locker Room at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Al Barsha and the The Huddle at Citymax hotels in Bur Dubai and Al Barsha all provide enough screens for everyone to enjoy the live action in a lively atmosphere.
Where to get a game - and learn
If you’d prefer to hit the pitch yourself, Dubai’s perfect winter season is ideal for outdoor games. You might be able to catch a casual game in empty spaces across the city on any given weekend, when the city’s cricket-loving fraternity takes advantage of the beautiful weather.
The city offers top indoor facilities for warmer months, too. Home to the region’s largest indoor cricket facilities, the ICC Academy regularly hosts competitions and events throughout the year. And, if your swing is a little off-kilter, you take advantage of coaching here as well.
Sports stars themselves flock to Dubai for its sporting facilities and luxe lifestyle. Former English cricketer, Kevin Pietersen, now runs a training facility in Dubai, where you can learn from the man once described as “England’s greatest modern batsman”. You can choose from a five day elite course, ten weeks training or even one-on-one with the living legend.
Duplays, the social sports organisation, offers the chance to knock a ball about at various schools across Dubai. Join a team or create your own - Duplays has more than 100,000 members so you’re sure to find people who play at your level. You can also check out coaching and games in Al Jaddaf at G Force Academy, Dubai Stars sportsplex in Mirdif or Bright Line Sport Academy in Hor Al Anz. Head to Insportz in Al Quoz for leagues, tournaments, coaching and fun games all year round.
Beginners might do worse than taking a look at the training schedule on offer at JT’s Cricket Academy. Jairaj Thakur is one of the oldest and most respected cricket coaches in the UAE, and is recognised by Emirates Cricket Board and Dubai Cricket Council as a certified coach.
Whether you choose to watch a world-class international match, or feel like a fun game on the beach, Dubai’s cricket scene is thriving all year round.
Images via Shutterstock
