No more summer break for cricket in Bahrain

A new indoor academy in Salmabad is giving players of all ages the chance to train, compete and improve their game throughout the year, removing one of the biggest barriers to the sport in the Kingdom.

The KHK Cricket Academy, a fully air-conditioned facility equipped with modern training systems, offers a controlled environment where players can practise regardless of outdoor conditions.

The inauguration ceremony drew wide attendance, including diplomats, ambassadors, sports officials, business leaders and members of Bahrain’s cricket community, reflecting growing interest in the sport and its expanding presence in the Kingdom.

Access

For years, extreme summer temperatures have limited cricket activity, making outdoor training difficult for much of the season.

Academy Chairman Mohammed Mansoor said the new facility changes that, noting that practising outdoors during the summer was previously extremely difficult due to the heat.

He said the academy aims to make cricket more accessible by providing a suitable environment for year-round training, opening the sport to a wider group of players across all age categories.

Community

Mansoor stressed that facilities alone are not enough, pointing out that the people who use a venue truly bring it to life.

He encouraged families to introduce their children to the sport and use the academy to build a vibrant and active community around cricket.

The facility includes multiple practice lanes, training nets and specialised equipment designed to support players at different levels, from beginners to more advanced athletes.

Participants will also access structured coaching programmes delivered by qualified coaches to develop technical skills, discipline and a deeper understanding of the game.

Growth

Beyond cricket, the academy is designed as a multi-purpose indoor venue capable of hosting various sports activities and community events, thus increasing its role as a wider sporting hub.

Officials believe the facility can strengthen Bahrain’s cricket ecosystem by expanding participation and creating more opportunities for talent development.

KHK Sports CEO and BRAVE Combat Federation president Muhammad Shahid praised the vision of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, in supporting the development in Bahrain. He described the academy as a key step in advancing the sport and creating new opportunities for players.

The opening comes as interest in cricket continues to grow across the Kingdom, with expectations that the academy will help nurture future generations of players.

With year-round access now available, the sport is no longer tied to the seasons.

And for many young players, that could be the difference between stopping and moving forward.