Jindal Global University’s Centre For India Australia Studies Signs Mou With Delhi Daredevils

Delhi Daredevils (DD), one of the prominent teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL) signed a MoU with the Jindal Global University (JGU)’s Centre for India Australia Studies (CIAS) at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Presided over by the Australian High Commissioner to India, Her Excellency Ms Harinder Sidhu, the MoU underlines DD’s commitment to support the Sports Law and Governance programme at JGU. The ceremony was preceded by a public lecture by Melanie Jones, Former Australian Women’s Cricketer and IPL Commentator on “Women in Sport” at JGU campus.Founding Vice Chancellor of Jindal Global University (JGU), Professor (Dr.) C Raj Kumar, Hemant Dua, CEO, Delhi Daredevils and Professor Shaun Star, Director of CIAS signed the MoU. Ricky Ponting, former Australian Cricket Captain and current Delhi Daredevils Coach was also present at the MoU signing. 

Speaking at the launch event, the Australian High Commissioner to India, Ms Harinder Sidhu hoped the MoU will further strengthen the bond between India and Australia, stating: “India and Australia share a longstanding relationship and have been constantly working together in sports, a field that is a natural fit between our two countries. This MoU will offer an opportunity to further expand sports partnership beyond the cricket field – allowing academics and students to work in this emerging area of collaboration. I hope that this partnership between Delhi Daredevils, the Centre for India Australia Studies and Jindal Global University will act as a stepping stone to help build stronger sporting ties between our nations,” said Ms Sidhu.

Professor (Dr.) C Raj Kumar pointed out that its association with DD will help in the exchange of knowledge in the field of sports law. Students and academics will be able to interact with the best in the business of sports and strengthen their awareness of significant issues that exist in practice.“The MoU will provide insights into practical experiences of the sporting world to our university students. This is a significant step forward in building on the existing Sports Law and Governance course which we have at JGU. This will also help build and strengthen awareness and opportunity for key challenges and opportunities in the field of sport. The practice of sports law and governance is global, and while DD’s insights will I’m sure to be invaluable, it is important that we also consider other sports and other jurisdictions when teaching our students about this area of law” explained Professor Raj Kumar.

Commenting on the association, Delhi Daredevil’s CEO, Mr. Hemant Dua, said, “We are happy to partner and work with O.P. Jindal Global University and the Centre for India Australia Studies on closely understanding sports law and governance. As part of the partnership, DD is to provide insights, guidance and hands-on experience of working with a Cricket franchise to promising lawyers. I am certain that this will be a great exchange programme which will lead to greater sharing of knowledge”.

Led by Professor Shaun Star, Executive Director at CIAS, the course aims to create better opportunities for students who want to pursue a career in this field. “The Centre for India Australia Studies is excited about the partnership with Delhi Daredevils and we look forward working with them to add value to students and academics interesting in sports law and governance. The Sports Law and Governance course will provide young people from around the world who are interested in gaining practical insights into sports law an opportunity to interact with practitioners and leading researchers in the field. We have already worked with leading Australian academics and Test cricketers on previous iterations of the course and this MoU seeks to strengthen our commitment towards contributing to the development of sports and adding value to the dialogue on sports law, governance and policy in India,” said Professor Star.