Reuben’s recommendation

What can Shobhit do?

  1. Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?

  • President at Ases Delfos Cricket Club (Spain)

  • Sports Management Intern at Cricket España

  • Volunteer at La Liga Femenina (Women’s Cricket)

  • Senior Analyst at AHEAD (India)

  • Service Desk Analyst at Allied Worldwide (Wales)

  • Former Professional Footballer at Aber Exiles (Wales)

  1. Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?

  • During my time with Cricket España, I achieved several measurable outcomes. I reduced athlete and club onboarding time by 40% by streamlining data systems, and I helped grow engagement by 50% across Instagram and YouTube through the ICC Olympic Day campaign. I also developed beginner-level cricket modules to support grassroots expansion, and authored a strategic marketing plan aligning Cricket España’s long-term goals with operational and promotional priorities.

  1. What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?

  • Sports marketing

  • Event operations

  • Digital management

  • Data management

  • Social media marketing

  • Strategic planning

  • Stakeholder engagement

  • Process optimisation

  1. What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Google Workspace

  • Canva

  1. What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?

  • Doctorate in Business Administration, ACLAS College

  • Master’s in Sports Management, UCAM University

  • Master’s in Business Management, Cardiff University

  • Bachelor’s degree (awarded Academic Gold Medal and Shree Baljit Shastri Award for Voluntary Service)

  • Certification in Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, Barça Innovation Hub

  • Certification in Cricket Analytics, Mad About Sports x Rajasthan Royals

I’ve faced multiple setbacks from missed selections in cricket to serious health challenges and turned each into a learning opportunity that strengthened my resilience and determination.

- On why organisations should take a punt on him

Someone should take a punt on me because I’m highly motivated, adaptable, and committed to making an impact in the sports industry, bringing both passion and practical results to everything I do.

What steps has Shobhit taken to break into the sports industry?

  • Joined the SportsGrad Method Program to gain structured knowledge and mentorship on building a career in sports.

  • Shared insights through a weekly LinkedIn series on the Business of Cricket to build visibility and engage with industry professionals.

  • Held informational meetings with individuals working in cricket to learn from their experiences, expand his network, and identify opportunities to contribute meaningfully.

Shobhit’s interest in sport all started from watching India lift the 2011 Cricket World Cup

Ever since I was a child, sports have been a central part of my life. From the thrill of watching India lift the World Cup in 2011 to playing cricket and football at competitive levels, I’ve experienced firsthand the passion, teamwork, and resilience that sports demand. Each setback, whether an injury, a missed selection, or a health challenge, has strengthened my determination and taught me the value of persistence.

I want to work in the sports industry because it allows me to combine my love for the game with my drive to create meaningful impact, helping others experience the same inspiration and opportunities that sports have given me.

Where does Shobhit want to go?

Next 6-12 months

Next 5-10 years

Gain hands-on experience in sports operations and athlete development, ideally within a dynamic organisation that bridges grassroots programs and professional opportunities.

Contribute to project execution, expand network across the sports industry, and develop skills in sports marketing, event management, and community engagement.

Build a leadership career in cricket administration, ideally with the BCCI.

Leverage own playing experience to strengthen grassroots programs, support emerging talent, and improve pathways for young players.

Contribute to strategic initiatives to ensure Indian cricket continues to thrive and maintain its global excellence.

What sporting problem keeps Shobhit up at night?

One problem I’d love to solve in sport is the lack of clear pathways and guidance for young athletes who aspire to build a career in professional sports. Many talented players, especially in countries like India, know they have potential but don’t know how to navigate the system, access training, or connect with opportunities.

I want to create programs and platforms that bridge this gap, providing mentorship, education, and practical tools to help athletes turn their passion into a sustainable career.

What is Shobhit like?

  1. What kind of environment do you thrive in?

  • I enjoy working in a relaxed environment, but I’ve found that my best work often comes out under high-pressure situations. Challenges motivate me, help me focus, and bring out my resilience and problem-solving skills.

  1. When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?

  • I demonstrated resilience in 2023 when I decided to leave a stable IT job in the UK to pursue an MBA in Sports Entities at UCAM, Spain. Just months before leaving, I was diagnosed with a serious health condition (grade 3 fatty liver), which doctors said would prevent me from travelling. Determined not to let this stop me, I lost 23 kilos in just two and a half months, regained my health, and arrived in Spain ready to start my studies. This experience taught me that with focus and persistence, even the toughest setbacks can be overcome to pursue your goals.

What about Shobhit’s interests outside of work?

  1. What are your interests outside of work?

  • I love watching sports, especially cricket, football, tennis and UFC as they keep me connected to the passion that drives my career.

  • I also enjoy listening to music, which helps me relax and refocus and travelling, which allows me to experience new cultures and gain fresh perspectives.

  1. What is your favourite sporting moment?

  • It is difficult for me to choose one but I'll have to say MS Dhoni hitting that magnificent six to help India win the World Cup in 2011 after 28 years.

  1. What’s your ideal holiday?

  • My ideal holiday is a mix of exploration and relaxation. I like to discover new places and experience different cultures. I also love trying different cuisines.

  1. If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?

  • If I had 30 minutes to pick anyone’s brain, it would be my brother’s. I’ve seen his relentless hard work, his calm under pressure, and his ability to solve complex problems with clarity. He’s my biggest inspiration, and much of what I’m doing today is because of his support and guidance.

  1. What’s one book or podcast that’s helped your career you’d recommend?

  • One book that’s had a big impact on my career is Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar. It taught me the importance of discipline, persistence, and staying true to my own approach, lessons I apply daily in both my professional and personal life.

Additional details

  1. Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?

  • Living in Spain, but open to working anywhere in the world.

  1. What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?

  • What’s most important for me in my next role is working under strong leadership that values growth and communication, having opportunities for professional development, and being part of a positive team culture where I can contribute meaningfully.

What others say about Shobhit

  • Others describe me as a highly capable and impactful professional.

  • Edward A. Shelton, Dean of the Graduate Division at Atlanta College of Liberal Arts and Sciences wrote that my “completion of the Doctor of Business Administration program, coupled with extensive professional experience and newly honed research skills, positions me as a unique and highly valuable candidate,” and that my “contributions to any organization…will undoubtedly be substantial and transformative.”

  • Additionally, my colleague in the UK, Ines Celiker, has called me “a genius,” reflecting my ability to solve complex problems and deliver results.

What questions does Shobhit have for employers?

  • What does a typical day or week look like in this role?

  • What are the key challenges someone in this position usually faces?

  • How does this role contribute to the organization’s long-term goals?

  • What does success look like in the first 6–12 months?

  • How would you describe the company culture?

  • What opportunities exist for professional development and career growth?

  • Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with and how you collaborate?

  • Are there current projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

  • How does the organization support community engagement or grassroots development?

  • How is employee performance measured and feedback provided?

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