The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially launched its much-anticipated Center of Excellence, fulfilling a long-held dream of building its own cricket facility. Formerly known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA), this brand-new facility located in Bengaluru aims to provide world-class resources for the next generation of cricketers, as well as current players.
The BCCI laid the foundation for this project back in February 2022. Now, 30 months later, the center is ready for use, bringing international standard cricket facilities to one place. This center is expected to become a key training ground for Indian players, offering state-of-the-art amenities designed to prepare athletes for high-level competition.
Three World-Class Cricket Grounds and Specialized Pitches
At the heart of the BCCI Center of Excellence are three international standard cricket grounds. The main ground, referred to as Ground A, boasts an 85-yard boundary and is equipped with 13 red clay pitches, similar to those used in Mumbai. This ground offers a county cricket-like ambiance with its seating mounds and picket fence surrounding the field.
The other two grounds are slightly smaller, with 75-yard boundaries, and feature different types of pitches, including 11 Mandya soil and 9 Kalahandi black cotton soil wickets. These diverse pitch conditions are designed to help cricketers adapt to various playing surfaces, replicating conditions they might face both in India and abroad.
Advanced Training Facilities for Cricketers
The Center of Excellence is also home to some of the best training facilities in the world. There are 45 outdoor practice nets spread across nine clusters, featuring a combination of three types of clay and five concrete pitches. Next to the practice area, a specialized fielding training zone helps players fine-tune their skills in different conditions.
For those focused on fitness, the center includes six outdoor running tracks with both grass and synthetic surfaces. Additionally, the 16,000 square feet gym is being outfitted with all the latest equipment, and it will even feature sleeping pods for players to rest between training sessions. This gym also includes a 25-meter swimming pool and various recovery zones such as a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, and underwater pool spa.
Indoor Pitches and Sports Science Support
Indoors, players can practice on eight turf pitches that have been imported from the UK and Australia. These pitches are set up alongside an 80-meter run-up area, providing ample space for bowlers to practice. The Center of Excellence also houses a high-tech sports science and medical block, with a focus on physiotherapy, rehabilitation, sports science labs, and more.
This facility isn’t just for cricketers. In an effort to support athletes across India, the sports science and medical facilities will be available to top Indian Olympians and other elite athletes. This makes the Center of Excellence a hub for multiple sports, providing top-tier resources for injury recovery and athletic development.
Hostel, Dining, and Indian Cricket Heritage
The BCCI Center of Excellence offers comfortable living arrangements as well. There are 24 hostels for men and eight for women, with large dining halls to accommodate players and staff. Beyond the training facilities, the center will also feature a Hall of Fame to celebrate the rich heritage of Indian cricket.
By integrating these world-class features, the BCCI’s Center of Excellence is set to become a cornerstone for the development of Indian cricket talent. From top-notch pitches to cutting-edge sports science, this facility aims to prepare Indian players for success at the highest levels of the game.
