In a significant stride toward inclusive cricket development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the imminent opening of state-of-the-art academies in the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir regions. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah shared this exciting news during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction in Mumbai, expressing eagerness about the transformative impact of these initiatives.
The Northeastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh are set to witness the establishment of cricket academies in their respective capital cities, with completion expected by August.
Shah highlighted that operational challenges are being addressed to bring a similar facility to Manipur, and plans for Meghalaya’s academy are in the pipeline.
Shah emphasized the BCCI’s commitment to addressing the historical neglect of cricketing development in these regions. “The academies in the Northeast States will be ready soon, probably by August,” he affirmed as per Cricbuzz, signalling a turning point for these areas that have long been overlooked in cricketing circles.
Furthermore, work on the academy in Jammu & Kashmir has already commenced, signaling a promising future for cricket enthusiasts in the northern state. This initiative aims to create accessible and world-class facilities to nurture talent and promote cricketing excellence.
New NCA in Bengaluru to open by August 2024
One of the highlights of Shah’s announcement is the upcoming National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, slated to open its doors midway through August. The BCCI Secretary expressed confidence that the NCA would be on par with Cricket Australia’s High-Performance Centre in Brisbane, reflecting a commitment to creating a top-tier training facility for aspiring cricketers.
The strategic expansion of cricket infrastructure aligns with the broader vision of fostering talent from diverse regions, ensuring that opportunities in the cricketing landscape are not confined to specific areas. As the academies become operational, the BCCI anticipates a positive impact on the overall standard of cricket, contributing to India’s cricketing prowess on the global stage.
Cricket enthusiasts and aspiring players eagerly await the inauguration of these academies, heralding a new era of cricket development and inclusivity in regions that have long yearned for a cricketing presence. The BCCI’s commitment to creating facilities on par with international standards reflects a progressive approach that holds promise for the future of Indian cricket.
