Super Kings Sees The Bigger American Dream As Academy Launched in Dallas
Chennai Super Kings Management (Source: X.com)
Ever since their inception in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been trying to expand their base in different countries, cities and cultures by investing in various markets. Therefore, the Super Kings franchise had previously launched their teams in the SA20 League and Major League Cricket (MLC) in South Africa and the USA, respectively.
Moreover, their investment continues beyond here as one of the biggest sports brands in the world runs around eight academies in Tamil Nadu and London. However, now, there is a new addition to the tally with another academy launched in the Dallas Metropolitian city, which will be the ninth state-of-the-art centre, precisely set in Lewisville.
This complements their strategy to go worldwide very well the opportunity to tap into the American market makes it a lot more special, considering they run a team there as well. Director of Cricket at the Super Kings Academy, Louis Mariano, spoke about their new venture.
"We're super-excited about bringing Super Kings Academy to the USA and see a tremendous potential for the growth of the sport, our ability to contribute to the grassroots cricket to take it more mainstream and taking existing talent to the next level. Dallas being the home-base for Texas Super Kings, we're even more thrilled to launch our first academy there, as it creates strong synergies with our long-term plans in the market."
The fact that there are around eight academies in the area, which amounts to a total of $ 1.75M in Dallas alone, with as many as 600 kids being enrolled. Major facilities include video analysis tools, extended space for fielding and conditioning, and access to an outdoor ground for regular match practice, which will be used across six full-length cricket lanes.
Moreover, another turf wicket field is in plans around the indoor location, which would make it more attractive. The presence of the Indian diaspora in the American market makes it an important place, considering the Super Kings have a very loyal fan base, which was evident during the entire season of MLC as a high number of Texas supporters attended the games.