On Sunday, September 29, a significant announcement was made for Indian cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inaugurated its new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, providing players with a new gift.
Alongside this, the BCCI also made a major announcement regarding the name change of the NCA, which will now be known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence (BCE). This new NCA will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to nurture cricketing talent and advance the sport. Spread across 40 acres, the BCE includes a total of three grounds and 86 pitches, encompassing both indoor and outdoor facilities. This development is set to be a remarkable move for Indian cricket.
Highlights of the New Centre of Excellence
The Centre of Excellence boasts three world-class cricket grounds, each equipped with an impressive drainage system. The BCCI shared a video detailing the features of this academy. It was mentioned that the main field, Ground A, has a diameter of 85 yards.
Also Read- IPL 2025: BCCI May Allow Retention of Five Players, New Rules Expected Before Mega Auction
Ground A includes 13 pitches made of Mumbai red soil, capable of hosting matches under floodlights and live broadcasts. Grounds B and C serve as practice fields, measuring 75 yards each and featuring 11 pitches made of Mandi clay and 9 pitches made of black cotton soil from Kalahandi, Odisha.
Extensive Facilities and Accommodations
In terms of facilities, the BCE includes a 16,000 square-foot gym, an open-air theatre, and over 240 rooms for accommodation. Additionally, there are 45 outdoor net pitches for practice. The world-class indoor practice facility features eight pitches with premium turf from England and Australia.
The high-tech Sports Science and Medicine block includes a physiotherapy rehab gym, a medicine lab with the latest technology, a recovery area, steam bath, underwater pool spa, and cold shower area. The centre also features an 80-seater meeting room, a coaches’ area, and a swimming pool measuring 25 by 12 meters.
