The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to launch its brand-new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This new cricket center, which has been built with modern facilities, is expected to be inaugurated on 27th September. The NCA will provide world-class training and practice facilities for players, with the hope of taking Indian cricket to the next level.
PM Modi Likely to Inaugurate the Academy
According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be the one to inaugurate the NCA during the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 27th September. The construction of this academy has been a huge project, costing around Rs 500 crore. The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, had already announced that the academy is almost ready, and cricket fans and players alike are eagerly waiting for its opening.
The Journey of Building the New Academy
The idea of a new cricket academy was in discussion for many years. The current National Cricket Academy, located at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was set up in the early 2000s. Over time, there was a growing need for a larger, more advanced facility. However, despite many talks, the project was delayed for almost 20 years. In 2019, after Jai Shah became BCCI Secretary, plans for the new academy finally moved forward. Although construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation stone was laid in February 2022. Now, after more than two years of hard work, the NCA is ready to open its doors.
What Makes the New NCA Special?
This new academy is not just bigger but also packed with some of the best facilities in the world. The academy is spread over hundreds of acres and has three big cricket grounds that are of international standards. This means that the academy could even host international cricket matches in the future.
One of the most exciting features of the academy is the 45 practice pitches. These pitches are not only many but also specially designed to help players get used to different conditions, such as the high bounce of pitches in Australia and South Africa.
Additionally, the academy has an indoor practice area, so players can practice even when it rains. This is a great advantage as rain often interrupts training in many parts of India. Players will also have access to a large Olympic-size swimming pool, which will help them relax and recover. For injury prevention and recovery, the academy includes top-notch sports science and training facilities.
Accommodation and Comfort for Players
Another highlight of the academy is the residential facilities. Seventy well-equipped rooms have been built to house players who will be training at the NCA. This will make it convenient for cricketers to stay on-site and focus entirely on their practice and training. These accommodations are designed to offer comfort to the players so that they can perform their best without any distractions.
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BCCI’s Vision for the Future of Indian Cricket
The BCCI has invested heavily in this new facility, hoping it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket. By providing a world-class environment for young players to train and develop their skills, the NCA aims to produce more top-level cricketers for the country. This academy is expected to be a game-changer in the development of cricket in India, with facilities that can match any other top cricket academy in the world.
As cricket fans wait for the official opening, there is already excitement in the air about the potential of this new National Cricket Academy to help Indian cricket scale new heights.