North Jersey Girls’ Cricket team set to compete at R66T Dubai Cup 2025

The North Jersey Youth Cricket Academy (NJYCA) is gearing up to compete at the prestigious R66T Dubai Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from April 12th to 19th at The Sevens Stadium and Sharjah Stadium in Dubai. 

Hosted by the Desert Vipers in partnership with Sportz Journey, the tournament will bring together youth cricket teams from around the globe, including the USA, New Zealand, Trinidad, Australia, and the UK.

Founded in 2018 as the first youth cricket academy in North Jersey, NJYCA has established itself as a hub for developing young cricket talent through quality coaching and rigorous training. The academy will be sending an U15 girls’ team, along with U13 and U15 boys’ teams, to compete in this year’s tournament. 

Known for its commitment to excellence, NJYCA is led by experienced coaches, including Ivy Mahabir—a former USA Cricket player, founding member of USA Women’s Cricket, and inductee into the USA Cricket Hall of Fame. Mahabir also holds an American Cricket Federation Level 2 certification, reflecting her dedication to nurturing the next generation of cricketers.

The R66T Dubai Cup 2025, organized by Inspire Sports and the UK-based R66T Academy, aims to showcase youth cricket talent while promoting the growth of girls’ cricket in Dubai. The tournament will feature a range of teams from across the globe, including debut participants from the Oman Cricket Academy and returning champions, the Desert Vipers Girls.

The Desert Vipers, a professional Twenty20 franchise cricket team playing in the International League T20 (ILT20), have been at the forefront of promoting cricket in the UAE since their founding in 2022. Owned by Lancer Capital LLC, the Vipers not only compete at the professional level but are also dedicated to grassroots cricket development.

The defending champions, Desert Vipers Girls, made history by winning the inaugural R66T Cup in 2024, triumphing over teams from New Zealand, India, and the UK. Their success has inspired a surge of interest in girls’ cricket within Dubai, leading to the establishment of a robust grassroots program at GEMS Winchester School and a partnership with Uptown International School. These initiatives ensure that young female cricketers receive consistent training and ample opportunities to play, helping to build a sustainable pipeline of talent.

In addition to the on-field action, Inspire Sports and the R66T Academy are focused on delivering an unforgettable experience for all participants. The event will include training sessions led by expert coaches, fixtures at both the Stadiums.

While the tournament entries are already full, the Desert Vipers continue to welcome interest from schools and aspiring players looking to join their year-round cricket programs.