The ICC Academy in Dubai, a world-renowned cricket training facility, faced its biggest challenge in April 2024 when unprecedented desert flooding submerged its grounds and indoor facilities. The massive downpour, which resulted in over 10 inches of rain, left the academy inundated and nearly paralyzed operations. The floodwaters damaged not only the cricket ovals but also the indoor facilities, gym, office spaces, and training nets, forcing the team to undertake a large-scale renovation project.
Anoop Eapen, operations and facilities manager at the ICC Academy, along with his team, led the efforts to restore the facility from the aftermath of the flood. Even with this unexpected disaster, the Academy made a triumphant comeback and was ready just in time for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, now relocated to Dubai due to political unrest in Bangladesh.
Resilience and Quick Turnaround Amid Disaster
The flooding had devastating effects, with water filling all areas of the Academy, from indoor pitches to the reception area. The curators and groundsmen had to replace entire sections of the grass, clean up contaminated soil, and restore the synthetic nets and other critical components. The quick and efficient response by the ICC Academy's staff, including sourcing specialized equipment and materials from across the globe, allowed the Academy to be functional in time for the World Cup training camps.
While the recovery was ongoing, the outdoor facilities were prioritized, and within months of the flood, the grounds were back in full action. The ICC Academy’s indoor renovations continued, but the facility hosted training sessions for international cricket teams who were preparing for the tournament.
World-Class Facility Ready for the World Cup
The ICC Academy prides itself on being a premier training ground for associate and full-member nations alike. It offers subcontinental, English, and Australian practice pitches, alongside its six-lane indoor and outdoor nets. The Academy has played host to IPL matches and international tournaments on short notice, and this time, it proved its resilience again.
In the span of three weeks, the ICC Academy was fully operational, despite the extensive damage from the flood. By the time international teams arrived in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, they found state-of-the-art facilities ready for their preparation.
Conclusion: ICC Academy’s Remarkable Journey Back
The flood was a true test of the ICC Academy’s resilience, but under the leadership of Anoop Eapen, it emerged stronger, hosting one of the world’s biggest cricketing events. The Academy’s success story is a testament to its world-class facilities, a dedicated team, and its ability to adapt and overcome the most challenging situations.
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