Photo Credit: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inaugurated the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on Sunday. Now named the BCCI Centre of Excellence, the facility was developed under the vision of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah to support the future of Indian cricket.
Spanning 40 acres, the Centre is designed to be the hub for nurturing cricketing talent and advancing sports science in India. It features three grounds and 86 pitches, including both indoor and outdoor areas, offering comprehensive training facilities, according to a BCCI press release.
The facility includes three top-tier cricket grounds. Ground A, the main ground, has an 85-yard boundary and 13 Mumbai red soil pitches, equipped with floodlights and broadcasting facilities for night matches. Grounds B and C are dedicated practice areas, with 75-yard boundaries and pitches made from Mandya soil and Black Cotton soil from Kalahandi, Odisha.
An advanced subsurface drainage system is in place to facilitate quick recovery after rainfall, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a consistent playing schedule. The grounds are adorned with white picket fencing and lush green seating mounds, reminiscent of traditional English county cricket grounds.
Comprehensive Practice Resources
The Centre features 45 outdoor net pitches organized into nine clusters, utilizing a variety of soils, including Mumbai red soil, Mandya soil, Kalahandi black cotton soil, and concrete. These pitches are separated by safety nets sourced from the UK. Adjacent to the nets is a dedicated fielding practice area and six outdoor running tracks, with both natural grass and Mondo synthetic surfaces.
The world-class indoor practice facility boasts eight pitches with premium turf imported from the UK and Australia, along with an 80-meter common run-up area. Large, toughened glass panels allow natural light to flood the space, creating an inviting atmosphere. Integrated cameras capture gameplay for analytical purposes, enabling athletes to train in any weather conditions.
State-of-the-Art Amenities
The South Pavilion is a three-story structure covering 45,000 square feet, featuring one of the largest dressing rooms, nearly 3,000 square feet, equipped with a jacuzzi, lounge, massage room, kit room, and restrooms. It will also host a Hall of Fame dedicated to showcasing India’s cricketing legacy. Additional facilities include rooms for commentators and match referees with advanced broadcasting capabilities, a spacious press conference area, and a VIP lounge with dining facilities.
The Dining and Dormitory block is a two-story building covering 15,000 square feet, providing food and lodging for staff. It includes separate dormitories for male and female staff and allows for future expansion.
Hi-Tech Sports Science & Medicine Block
The Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) Block covers 16,000 square feet and features top-of-the-line gym equipment. It includes four athletic tracks with high-quality Mondo rubber flooring. The facility also contains a physiotherapy rehab gym, a sports science and medicine lab equipped with the latest technology, and a recovery area with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, underwater pool spa, and cold shower area. Additional amenities include an 80-seater meeting room, a coaches’ area, and a 25×12-meter swimming pool. The block is equipped with dedicated audio-visual and projector facilities for training sessions, presentations, and fitness classes.
Commitment Beyond Cricket
This facility is designed not only for cricket but also for advancing sports science and supporting athletes across various disciplines. The state-of-the-art Sports Science & Medicine facility will be accessible to leading Indian Olympians, contributing to the overall development of the Indian sports ecosystem.
A New Era for Indian Sports
The BCCI Centre of Excellence is poised to transform sports training and development in India. With its world-class facilities and commitment to excellence, the new Centre demonstrates the BCCI’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes and enhancing the country’s standing in the global sports arena.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
