After Sehwag, Dhoni wants to set up cricket academy in Haryana

The skipper had recently sent a written request to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, which was forwarded by the latter's office to the State's Sports Department seeking more information on Dhoni's plans.

Dhoni has desired to start an academy and an educational institution in the state, Haryana's Director of Sports, O P Singh said today.

Singh has sent a mail to Dhoni, asking for more details about his venture, what exactly he wants and if he has any location in mind where he wants to set up his academy.

Haryana's State Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sukhbir Kataria said while they would welcome any such initiative by the Indian captain, but first they need to know full details about his plans.

"We will also have to see if his request can be covered within our laid down rules and policy. Therefore, to say anything more at this stage will be premature. Let's wait for his response first and let's see what his entire project is," Kataria said.

In 2008, the State Government had leased out over 23 acres of land to Sehwag in Jhajjar district for setting up a cricket academy and a school.