Swashbuckling former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has declared it was a “no brainer” to launch his first cricket academy in Dubai.

Pietersen, 34, is set to strengthen his ever-increasing ties with the UAE this January when his new state-of-the-art facility opens.

The academy will provide children aged from seven to 18 from the Emir­ates and beyond the chance to ben­efit from outstanding coaching and personal guidance from one of the world’s greatest players.

Speaking at a press conference to announce Al Nabooda Insurance Brokers as sponsors, Pietersen spoke about his new venture.

“Because of the other interests I have, Dubai is a place I have frequented quite a bit. Seeing the energy, buzz and demographics made me know it was a no brainer,” he told reporters.

“I wanted to bring cricket to somewhere I knew we could make a lot of difference. It is pretty much a blank canvas. We have been given a wonderful opportunity at Kings’ School Al Barsha to give kids a first-class facility, be coached in a first-class way and leave them enriched, in love and full of joy in terms of the game of cricket.

“When I finish, or probably have finished, in international cricket, where I have been fortu­nate enough to spend a lot of time using amazing facilities, there are a lot of people who have not had that opportunity. I want to bring that opportunity here.”

Despite seeing the probable end of his international career, his lethal power-hitting ensures he remains in much demand on the global T20 circuit.

The power-hitter is set to fea­ture for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash from Decem­ber prior to another IPL campaign with the Delhi Daredevils.

The South Africa-born star has no plans to rein in his playing com­mitments just yet, but has guaran­teed he will be a significant pres­ence at the Kevin Pietersen Cricket Academy Dubai.

Pietersen, whose business inter­ests in the city also extend to an in­volvement with Eden Beach Club at Rixos The Palm, added: “I am quite busy but I want every intake to have the chance to meet me. London is not very far. I want to be hands on.

“I won’t give you a number, but I want a direct involvement. I want to make the time as I am really pas­sionate about the cricket academy. I am going to commit a lot of time.

“There will also be a facility where the kids will be able to get in a room and no matter where I am in the world we will tap into a Sky­pe conversation and talk cricket, nutrition and life.”

The academy is set to be opened in January next year.