Flintoff Plans Academy in Dubai

The all-rounder, who is recuperating at his winter base in Dubai, however, did not reveal more details about 
the academy.

While talking to reporters during the Shyam Bhatia cricket award function held on Wednesday night here, Flintoff said: “I am trying to set up an academy here. If that happens, it will be great. We are talking to the authorities concerned regarding the academy.”

The 32-year-old dashing batsman believes Dubai has the potential to stage more sporting events in the future.

“A lot of sports events happened here in the past couple of months. The world’s best tennis players are coming here in a week’s time. The facilities here are second to none. That was the main focus when we decided to move here as a family.

“The Sports City has all the required facilities. Dubai’s proximity to the major cricket playing nations like India, South Africa and Australia was another attraction. I think over the next few years we will find a lot of big sporting events happening in Dubai.”

He also said his family enjoyed the hospitality here. “We live here... my wife and three children. My two children are studying here. We always enjoyed coming here over the years.”

Regarding the UAE’s rapid progress in the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier matches, Flintoff said: “I think their standard is getting better. There is a real excitement about cricket in this region. A lot of cricket events are happening here, like you have England and Pakistan playing next week. “Obviously, Pakistan have played here already. More English teams are coming as well. Hopefully, it can create a real excitement beyond the game.”

Flintoff, who retired from Tests after the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval in August, is yet to recover from his 
knee injury. “I just miss cricket. On the flipside, I am spending more time with my family. However, I am a cricketer. I want to play cricket and the wait is frustrating. I can do nothing with a dodgy knee. I am looking forward to play by the end of July or early August, probably for Lancashire to begin with.”

He is also happy with the way England performed in their recent South African tour.

“Before the start of the series, I thought we had more chances of winning the Tests than the one-day series. We won the one-day series and drew the Tests. I think it was a good effort. South Africa are a fine side as they have just beaten India in the Nagpur Test. So it is something to build on for England.”

Flintoff also sees a brighter chance for England in the T20 World Cup as well. “England have got a good chance because Twenty20 is such a short game. One or two players could influence the game. England have players like Kevin Pietersen to make a real impact.” He believes Twenty20 cricket could make a positive impact on the way Tests are played in the future.

“I see Tests as the best form of the game, the one which I enjoyed playing the most. I think you will find a slight change in the game in the years to come. Players evolve with the advent of new shots and new deliveries. The game is getting faster. I don’t see it as a negative aspect. I think it could have a positive impact as the scores will get bigger. However, I know players still see Test cricket as the purest form.”

Asked about his comments on the ball-tampering issue involving Pakistan player Shahid Afridi during the Australian tour, Flintoff preferred to play defensively. “I have not seen it. Afridi is a friend of mine. No comments.”

pradeep@khaleejtimes.com