Siraj Finance Desert Cubs · Est. 2007 · 2026/27 season began 05 September 2026
From grassroots cricket to national teams, international stages and the IPL.
From 11 young cricketers to a UAE-wide academy
Founded in Sharjah in 2007, Desert Cubs has grown into a junior cricket academy serving families across Dubai and Sharjah. The journey brings together structured coaching, match opportunities, international tours and a community that stays with its players.
Discover the Desert Cubs storyA proud moment for the academy
Every player’s journey is different. These stories show where commitment, opportunity and a love of cricket can lead.
U19 Asia Cup 2026 · Oman
Congratulations to Mohammed Nafees and Jordan Alvares on their selection to represent the UAE U19 National Team at the U19 Asia Cup 2026 in Oman.
Their earlier age-group achievements remain part of the journey. Read each player profile for verified career milestones.
Desert Cubs alumnus · Chennai Super Kings
A landmark moment
Desert Cubs alumnus selected by Chennai Super Kings as a replacement player in IPL 2026.
Read Macneil’s storyDesert Cubs Global Cricket Pathway
Global Consultant| Desert Cubs Cricket Academy UAE
Winston Weeks brings extensive international cricket experience, having played in England, Zimbabwe and his native Barbados.
Throughout his cricketing journey, he has supported emerging young cricketers in identifying opportunities to develop their careers in England and other parts of the world.
As Global Consultant to Desert Cubs Cricket Academy UAE, Winston is helping strengthen connections with county cricket organisations, international clubs and the wider cricketing community.
His role focuses on identifying promising Desert Cubs players, developing global pathways and connecting emerging talent with appropriate opportunities for international exposure.
A supported pathway for development and exposure; progression and selection are not guaranteed.
An introduction to Mohammed Nafees’s UK cricket pathway and international opportunities.
Learning from the game’s greats
International cricketers have visited Desert Cubs for masterclasses, coaching sessions and time with our players.
See masterclasses and events
Former Sri Lanka captain and head coach. Technical batting masterclass.
Sri Lankan swing bowling legend. Seam, swing and fast-bowling masterclass.
Sri Lankan internationals. Batting, spin-bowling and all-round cricket development session.
More than a net session
Skill work, match preparation, fitness and the friendships that grow around the game.
Videos play only when selected. Playback includes the original audio.
Find your training time
Choose a centre to see the sessions currently listed in the academy timetable.
SES · Sharjah · Maliha Road
Closed
SIS · Dubai · Al Qusais 3
Closed
DIS · Dubai · Dubai Festival City
Closed
Schedule note: The supplied DIS timetable lists overlapping Saturday and Sunday sessions from 4:00–6:00 PM and 4:30–6:30 PM. Both are shown as supplied; please confirm session allocation with the centre.
DPS · Dubai · The Gardens / Jebel Ali
Closed
BSA · Dubai · Dubai Investment Park
Closed
Closed
Closed
Schedule transcribed from the supplied weekly training reference · Last updated: 31 October 2026.
A message for our cricket community
Former Australia international Joe Burns shares a personal invitation with the Desert Cubs community. Watch his message in his own words.
A personal appearance; no partnership or coaching appointment is implied.
Hear it from the people who know
Parents and players share their own experiences of life at Desert Cubs.
Parent review
Hear their perspective in the original recording.
Player review
Hear their perspective in the original recording.
“The coaches taught our sons discipline, sportsmanship, and the mental resilience needed to succeed on and off the field. Both boys were given the opportunity to captain the Under 11 team — and in 2023 we toured the UK together as a family. Memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.”
“Since Saaketh enrolled in 2021, his growth as a cricketer has been phenomenal — not just in skill but in fitness and mental strength. DCCA’s overseas tours to South Africa, UK, and Australia gave him exposure no classroom could ever provide. We strongly believe his cricketing future is in safe hands.”
“Since 2014, Desert Cubs has been an institution that makes learning fun. The MasterClasses with Jonty Rhodes, Chaminda Vaas, and Rumesh Ratnayake gave Akshat advanced-level insights money cannot buy. The coaches are not just technically brilliant — their calmness and humility have made him a better person.”
A place to start. Room to grow.
Explore the programmes, people and places that make up Desert Cubs.
Explore academy pathways and find the right centre for your family.
View training times
Discover girls’ coaching and the stories of Desert Cubs women cricketers.
Explore girls’ cricket
Training in Dubai and Sharjah, with a centre close to home.
Explore all five centres
Explore international tours, tournaments and match opportunities.
Explore tours and tournaments
See published camp information and contact the academy about upcoming dates.
Explore camp informationFive active training centres
For cricket families
Founded in Sharjah in 2007, Desert Cubs has trained more than 15,000 alumni and runs five active centres across Dubai and Sharjah. Read the academy story.
Centres are at Sharjah English School, Delhi Private School, Deira International School, Star International School and Baseline Sports Academy. Explore the centres or compare sessions in the weekly timetable.
Desert Cubs has junior pathways from foundation cricket through competitive age-group squads. Session groups vary by centre and day; see the timetable or contact a centre to discuss a suitable session.
Yes. Girls are welcome across the academy. Desert Cubs’ girls’ cricket history includes UAE Women’s Cricket Captain Esha Oza and the first ECB Women’s League title in 2017. Explore the girls’ programme.
Sharjah English School on Maliha Road has a natural grass ground, six centre turf pitches, floodlights, a viewing pavilion and video-analysis facilities. See SES centre details and training times.
Baseline Sports Academy in Dubai Investment Park is an air-conditioned indoor centre with five cricket lanes. Camp dates vary by season; contact the academy for upcoming availability. See published camp details.
Players can take part in academy and ECB competitions, and Desert Cubs organises junior international tours. Explore tournaments and tour information and completed journeys.
Programme fees and availability vary by centre and session. Check the official registration portal or contact Desert Cubs on WhatsApp for current details.
From the boundary line
Read the latest from Desert Cubs players, coaches, tours and competitions.
Your next chapter starts here
Join the Desert Cubs community and find a training centre in Dubai or Sharjah.
Training Venue Partners
Become a sponsor → admin@desertcubs.com
