new nca inaugurated in bengaluru renamed as bcci center of excellence

Bengaluru: BCCI's dream of building its own cricket center has finally been fulfilled. The 'National Cricket Academy' was inaugurated on Saturday, which has been renamed 'BCCI Center of Excellence'. Its foundation was laid in February 2022 and after 30 months it is now being finalized. This was in the planning for a long time. In 2010, the BCCI purchased 49 acres of land from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to set up its own facility for the National Cricket Academy.

Three types of pitches on the grounds

It has three international standard cricket grounds. The name of the main ground is Ground A. Its boundary is 85 yards and it has 13 red clay pitches. There are mounds of seating across the green boundary line on one side and the ground is surrounded by a picket fence giving it a county-like atmosphere. While the grounds, dressing rooms and administrative facilities are ready for use, the gym equipment is yet to be installed.

Speaking to the media, NCA chief VVS Laxman said, 'NCA has been renamed as BCCI Center of Excellence. This is very important for all players who are trying to compete at the highest level. This will benefit not only the future generation of cricketers but also the present generation. With three world-class grounds, 45 training wickets and other facilities, it is a dream come true for all the players. I hope everyone who comes here will benefit from this initiative.

What is special in BCCI Center of Excellence

• It has three international standard grounds. The main ground has an 85-yard boundary and 13 Mumbai-like red clay pitches. The other two fields have a 75-yard limit. There are 11 Mandya soil and 9 Kalahandi pitches of black cotton soil.
• The center is equipped with 45 outdoor nets, which are divided into nine clusters with three different clay and five concrete pitches.
• Next to the nets there is a fielding training area as well as six outdoor running tracks with grass and synthetic surfaces.
• The indoor facility includes eight turf pitches sourced from the UK and Australia and an 80-metre common run-up area.
• The 16,000 square feet gym will have all the latest equipment including sleeping pods. It also has four athletic tracks, a 25-metre swimming pool and other recovery facilities such as a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and underwater pool spa.
• Consists of a hi-tech sports science and medical block. Which houses a physiotherapy rehab gym, sports science and medical labs, as well as dedicated space for education and presentations.
• There are 24 hostels for men and eight for women, with large dining areas. Apart from this, there will be a curated Hall of Fame to showcase the heritage of Indian cricket.
• The sports science and medical facility will be open to prominent Indian Olympians and top athletes.