BCCI inaugurates state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Cricket in Bengaluru

The BCCI opened the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, which has been named the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The academy has 86 pitches and other facilities spanned across 40 acres.

In Short

• The BCCI opened the new NCA in Bengaluru
• The new NCA will be called the BCCI Centre of Excellence
• BCCI Secretary Jay Shah envisioned the state-of-the-art facility

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially opened the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, now named the BCCI Centre of Excellence. This state-of-the-art facility, envisioned by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, aims to cultivate the next generation of cricket talent while promoting advancements in sports science across India.

Spanning over 40 acres, the Centre of Excellence is equipped with three cricket grounds and a total of 86 pitches, offering both indoor and outdoor training options. The main ground, Ground A, features an 85-yard boundary and 13 meticulously maintained pitches made from Mumbai red soil, ready for action.

With cutting-edge floodlighting and broadcasting capabilities, Ground A is prepared to host and broadcast matches at night. Grounds B and C are designated practice areas, each with 75-yard boundaries, featuring 11 pitches made of Mandya soil and 9 pitches from Black Cotton soil in Kalahandi, Odisha.

To ensure minimal disruption from rainfall, the facility includes an innovative subsurface drainage system for quick recovery, maintaining a consistent playing schedule. The grounds are adorned with white picket fencing and lush green seating mounds, evoking the charm of traditional English county grounds.

This facility goes beyond cricket; it’s committed to enhancing sports science and supporting athletes from various disciplines. The cutting-edge Sports Science & Medicine centre will be accessible to top Indian Olympians, fostering the overall development of the Indian sports landscape.

Here are more details of the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

Net pitches and world-class indoor practice facility

The Centre boasts an impressive 45 outdoor net pitches organized into nine clusters, featuring Mumbai red soil, Mandya soil, Kalahandi black cotton soil, and concrete surfaces. These pitches are safely enclosed by nets sourced from the UK. Next to the nets, there is a designated fielding practice area and six outdoor running tracks made of natural grass and Mondo synthetic material.

Inside, a state-of-the-art practice facility offers eight pitches with top-quality turf from the UK and Australia, along with an 80-meter common run-up area. Expansive, reinforced glass panels let in natural light, creating a welcoming environment. Integrated cameras are in place to record play for analysis, allowing athletes to train at any time, regardless of weather conditions.

Quality dressing rooms and spacious press conference area

The South Pavilion is a two-story structure covering 45,000 square feet and features one of the largest dressing rooms in the area, nearly 3,000 square feet, equipped with a jacuzzi, lounge, massage room, kit room, and restrooms. It will also showcase a thoughtfully curated Hall of Fame celebrating India’s cricketing heritage.

Other highlights include state-of-the-art commentator and match referee rooms with advanced broadcasting facilities, a spacious press conference area, and a VIP lounge and dining space. The Dining and Dormitory block, a one-story building with 15,000 square feet, provides food and accommodation for staff, featuring male and female dormitories with options for future expansion.

Medicine Block and latest technology

The Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) Block spans 16,000 square feet and features top-notch gym equipment. It includes four athletic tracks and premium Mondo rubber flooring. The facility boasts a physiotherapy rehab gym, a state-of-the-art sports science and medicine lab, and a recovery area with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, underwater pool spa, and cold showers.

Additionally, there’s an 80-seater meeting room, a coaches' area, and a 25x12-meter swimming pool. To enhance training sessions, presentations, and fitness classes, the block is equipped with dedicated audio-visual and projector facilities.