The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has inaugurated its new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, now renamed the BCCI Centre of Excellence. This cutting-edge facility is a vision realised by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, aimed at nurturing emerging cricket talent and advancing sports science in India.
World-Class Cricket Facilities
Spanning over 40 acres, the Centre features three top-tier cricket grounds and 86 pitches designed for both indoor and outdoor training. The main ground, Ground A, includes an 85-yard boundary and 13 expertly maintained pitches made from Mumbai red soil. Equipped with floodlighting and broadcasting infrastructure, Ground A is set to host night matches. Grounds B and C, with 75-yard boundaries and a mix of Mandya and Kalahandi Black Cotton soil pitches, serve as practice areas.
The Centre also features an advanced subsurface drainage system, ensuring quick recovery after rain. Aesthetically, the grounds boast white picket fencing and lush green seating mounds, echoing the atmosphere of traditional English county grounds.
Focus on Sports Science and Technology
In addition to cricket, the Centre of Excellence houses a Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) centre designed to support athletes across various disciplines. This state-of-the-art facility includes top-tier physiotherapy, recovery amenities like jacuzzis and steam baths, and an Olympic-standard gym.
The NCA’s indoor practice centre features eight premium turf pitches, cutting-edge cameras for training analysis, and ample natural lighting. Athletes can now train year-round, with or without ideal weather conditions. The outdoor area boasts 45 net pitches across nine clusters, offering a range of surfaces to train on.
South Pavilion and Player Amenities
The 45,000 square-foot South Pavilion houses a massive 3,000 square-foot dressing room, complete with a jacuzzi, lounge, massage room, and restrooms. It also includes a Hall of Fame dedicated to India’s cricketing heritage, advanced broadcasting facilities, a press conference area, and VIP dining space.
The Centre’s dormitory block provides accommodation for staff, with plans for future expansion, while the Sports Science & Medicine Block features high-tech rehabilitation and recovery facilities, including a 25×12 metre swimming pool.
With the unveiling of this facility, the BCCI has taken a giant leap towards elevating cricket infrastructure in India, creating a hub that will not only shape future cricket stars but also foster the holistic development of Indian athletes across disciplines.