Shikhar Dhawan Opens First Residential Cricket Academy in Pathankot

The new facility of Shikhar Dhawan aims to combine professional cricket training with formal education for young athletes.

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has launched the first residential elite cricket academy under his sports venture, Da One Sports. Set up at Sandeepni Gurukul in Pathankot, the academy provides a structured environment where young players can pursue high-quality cricket training alongside formal schooling.

This residential program is designed as a long-term development journey, offering professional coaching, academic support, and living facilities together. By choosing Pathankot, the initiative seeks to uncover talent from the region while ensuring students’ educational stability.

Shikhar Dhawan, Proud To Announce Centre

Announcing the initiative, Dhawan stated: “I have always believed that for a child’s overall growth, education and sport must go hand in hand. With our residential elite cricket academy at Sandeepni Gurukul, we are creating a structured and secure environment where young players can dream big, train professionally, and grow with confidence. If this platform can help create even one future India player or the next Shikhar Dhawan, it will be a proud moment for all of us. More importantly, I hope this initiative inspires many more kids to pick up sports and believe in themselves.”

The academy embodies a holistic approach, focusing on sustained athlete development rather than short-term training. It creates a seamless blend of sports and education, with professional coaches, structured curricula, and safe housing.

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This model allows students to train intensively while keeping up with their studies. The goal is to nurture well-rounded growth, building confidence and cricketing dreams. Ultimately, the academy emphasizes that balancing education with sport is key to a child’s overall development and future success.