DUBAI, UAE– Middle East carrier Emirates (EK) and Lancashire Cricket have embarked on a quest to discover promising cricket prodigies. Further focusing on identifying young talents in the UAE.
This initiative aims to empower the next generation by allowing them to receive professional training and play cricket in the UK.
Emirates and Lancashire Cricket recently organized a coaching session at the Sevens Stadium. During the Club’s 2023 pre-season tour as part of the Future Flyers program.
The objective of this session was twofold: first, to unlock the untapped potential of aspiring individuals who may not have otherwise accessed professional-level cricket opportunities. Second, to enable Lancashire Cricket’s First Team coaches to observe and assess these talents.
Emirates Partnered with Lancashire Cricket
This initiative represents the latest endeavour by the Emirates to foster the growth of cricket at the grassroots level in the UAE. Further benefiting both Emirati and ex-pat youth.
The inception of Future Flyers arose from the discovery of talent in unexpected places. In collaboration with Emirates, Lancashire Cricket participated in Dubai Expo 2020 and organized a masterclass session at the Sports Hub.
Subsequently, featuring renowned players from Lancashire and England. A select group of students, including 16-year-old Mahika Gaur, were invited to participate in the session.
The representatives from Lancashire Cricket were astounded by Mahika’s innate cricketing abilities. Consequently, Lancashire Cricket has nurtured and mentored her through world-class coaching, training, and playing opportunities. While pursuing her education at Sedbergh School in the UK.
Since that transformative session in 2021, Mahika has represented the UAE women’s team in the Under 19s World Cup. Additionally, she has been selected to play for the Manchester Originals in The Hundred tournament.
Future Flyers
The Future Flyers session welcomed a group of 24 aspiring young cricketers aged 15 to 17, representing various schools in Dubai. These students were chosen by their school coaching staff based on their cricketing abilities and passion for the sport.
Engaging in coaching sessions led by Lancashire Cricket’s First Team coaches. These promising talents received valuable guidance while showcasing their skills on the field.
As a special treat, the young cricketers had the opportunity to witness an exciting T20 doubleheader. Featuring both Lancashire’s men’s and women’s teams.
Following the coaching sessions, Lancashire Cricket representatives carefully assessed the participants. Further identified Shelina Laxmidas as the standout performer.
As a recognition of her exceptional talent, Shelina was awarded a trip to Manchester, generously sponsored by Emirates. She also received the exclusive opportunity to train and reside at Emirates Old Trafford, the iconic home ground of Lancashire Cricket.
Throughout her stay, Shelina will receive personalized guidance and mentorship from Lancashire Cricket’s First Team coaches, further refining her cricketing skills.
Emirates Supporting Lancashire Cricket Club
Since 2013, Emirates has been a steadfast supporter of Lancashire Cricket, maintaining naming rights to the esteemed Emirates Old Trafford stadium and proudly serving as the front-of-shirt sponsor for Lancashire Lightning.
With a rich history spanning over two decades, Emirates has played a pivotal role in the world of cricket. As the Official Airline and Global Partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Emirates has been deeply involved in promoting the sport.
The airline holds the sponsorship for the ICC Cricket World Cup, including the upcoming 2023 edition scheduled to take place in India. Emirates proudly sponsors the match officials selected from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of ICC Umpires. Further, the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires and the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
This partnership also entails featuring the Emirates logo on the official kit of the match officials. Additionally, Emirates extends its support to the Women’s T20 World Cups and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, alongside the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Emirates’ enduring commitment to cricket shines through its long-standing association with Lancashire Cricket and its extensive involvement with prestigious international cricket events under the ICC’s purview.
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