Some trophies mark the end of a season. This one, however, marked the start of something bigger. In spring 2026, our U12 squad, the SPSA Avengers, won Division A of the Emirates Cricket Board’s first-ever U12 National Academy League.
With the ECB Academy League 2026/27 now under way, we’re looking back at how the Avengers became the league’s first Division A champions, and what comes next.
A new pathway for young UAE cricketers
The ECB launched the U12 National Academy League in 2026 to give younger players real match experience before they reach the U15 academy level. Academies from across the country took part. Matches were 25-over games, played on weekends in March and April at 75 venues across the UAE.
For our players, it meant proper competitive cricket against the best young talent from other UAE academies, with scorecards, standings and silverware at stake.
Topping Group A
Division A had 12 teams split into three groups of four. The Avengers finished first in Group A with two wins from three games. Their net run rate of +3.007 was also the best of all 12 teams in the division.
On the field, the Avengers didn’t lose a single match all season. First, they beat Desert Cubs Southern Sharks by 148 runs, then piled up 185 without losing a wicket against Rays Cricket Academy U12 before winning by 111 runs on DLS. Overall, opponents scored only 110 runs in 35 overs against them in the group stage.
The one defeat in the table came off the field. The tournament took place during a tense period in the region, and for the 4 April match against Dreams Cricket Academy, the academy decided it wasn’t safe for the players to travel. The Avengers forfeited the game, because the safety of our players always comes first.
| Group A | Played | Won | Lost | No result | Points | Net run rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPSA Avengers | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | +3.007 |
| Desert Cubs Southern Sharks | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -1.880 |
| Dreams Cricket Academy | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2.680 |
| Rays Cricket Academy U12 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -1.633 |
Source: ECB U12 Academy League 2026 points table on CricClubs
The road to the title
In the knockouts, the Avengers beat both of the other group winners, each of whom had gone through the group stage unbeaten. In the semi-final on 18 April, they made 214/5 against Desert Cubs Western Warriors, then bowled them out for 143 to win by 71 runs.
The final on 26 April was against Legends Cricket Academy Eagles. Batting first, the Avengers posted 202/6 in their 25 overs. The bowlers and fielders then dismissed the Eagles for 95 in 23.1 overs, sealing a 107-run win.
Full scorecard of the final on CricClubs
As a result, the Avengers became the first team ever to lift the Division A trophy. Every match they played ended in a win by 70 runs or more, a true team performance and the kind our coaches work towards in every session.
| Date | Stage | Opponent | SPSA Avengers | Opponent score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 April | Group | Desert Cubs Southern Sharks | 225/6 (25 ov) | 77/8 (25 ov) | Won by 148 runs |
| 4 April | Group | Dreams Cricket Academy | – | – | Forfeited for player safety |
| 11 April | Group | Rays Cricket Academy U12 | 185/0 (13.2 ov) | 33/4 (10 ov) | Won by 111 runs (DLS) |
| 18 April | Semi-final | Desert Cubs Western Warriors | 214/5 (25 ov) | 143 all out (24.5 ov) | Won by 71 runs |
| 26 April | Final | Legends Cricket Academy Eagles | 202/6 (25 ov) | 95 all out (23.1 ov) | Won by 107 runs |
One academy, many teams
The Avengers weren’t the only SPSA team in the league. We entered three U12 teams across two divisions, giving more of our young players a chance to play competitive cricket.
Meanwhile, in Division B, SPSA Ajman finished second in their group and SPSA Warriors finished third. Neither side reached the knockouts this time, but both squads gained valuable experience of 25-over matches against academies from across the UAE.
That experience is exactly what the league was created to provide, and these players carry it into the 2026/27 season. We’re proud of every one of them, not just the team that lifted the trophy.
In their own words
“Winning the inaugural ECB U12 Cup is a reflection of the work this group has put in during training and throughout the tournament. As a coaching team, our focus was on preparing the players for different match situations, giving them clarity in their roles, and encouraging them to make confident decisions on the field. It was extremely rewarding to see them apply those learnings under pressure and grow with every game. This championship is a proud milestone in their development as young cricketers.” – Tanesh Jain, SPSA coach
“We had a lot of teamwork, and yes individual performances were also there and we enjoyed a lot!” – Vyan Puthran, SPSA Avengers captain
“Playing in first ECB U12 Academy league, and winning it outrightly, was indeed a wonderful experience for all the players. The professional manner in which the team was managed by the management, with each player given a specific role within the team, led them to their eventual success. Playing in the tournament was a great learning experience, and the camaraderie shared among the players was a joy to watch! Good luck in the upcoming season for the SPSA Avengers!!!!” – Ajay Panandikar, parent
Recognised beyond the boundary
After the tournament, Khaleej Times covered the event and named SPSA Avengers as Division A winners. In the same article, ECB National Development Manager Andrew Russell said organisers were impressed by the standard of play. He also singled out the young players’ “game awareness” and their understanding of positions. Read the Khaleej Times report.
Looking ahead: ECB Academy League 2026/27
The new season began on 2nd Oct 2026, and SPSA will again field teams in the U12, U15 and U18 categories across divisions. Last season’s winners are now a year older, and a new group of U12 players is ready to defend the title.
Tanesh Jain and Nandhu Mohan, part of the coaching team behind our ECB league squads last season, are with us again this season. They are joined by a strengthened coaching team: Director Deepak CM (BCCI Level 2, former Kerala Ranji Trophy player), Head Coach Sanuth Ebrahim (former Kerala Ranji Trophy player who also represented Oman), and Bowling Coach S. Anish (former Kerala domestic cricketer). Meet the full SPSA coaching team.
Follow the Avengers and all SPSA teams on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for match updates through the season.
Want your child to be part of the next chapter?
SPSA coaches young cricketers in Dubai at our indoor and outdoor facilities, from beginners to players ready for league cricket. Contact us to find the right group for your child.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ECB Academy League? It is the Emirates Cricket Board’s competition for registered cricket academies across the UAE. The U12 edition started in 2026 and gives young players regular competitive matches as a step toward the U15 academy level.
Which age groups does SPSA enter in the ECB Academy League? For 2026/27, SPSA is entering 7 teams across the U12, U15 and U18 categories.
How can my child get selected for an SPSA league team? Our coaching team nominates players for the SPSA ECB U12 Performance Pathway based on how they perform in training sessions and matches. In addition, the pathway gives nominated players a structured, competitive training environment. It focuses on skill development, game awareness and match readiness, so players are ready to perform at their best in the ECB tournament.
Can my child join SPSA if they are a beginner? Yes. Players from age 4 and up, at any level can join. Skill-based groups mean every player trains alongside others at a similar level, whether they’re picking up a bat for the first time or building on years of experience. Book a trial to get started.