BCCI Unveils New Indoor Cricket Academy in Sikkim to Enhance Regional Training

The BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia, recently visited the newly built indoor cricket academy at the Sikkim Cricket Ground, which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 28. This state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost of ₹23 crore, aims to enhance cricket training standards in the region. Saikia emphasized the BCCI's commitment to developing cricket in the Northeastern states, which have all gained permanent membership. The inauguration will coincide with similar facilities in five other states, marking a significant boost for cricket in the Northeast. Saikia expressed his admiration for the excellent infrastructure, highlighting its potential to support cricketers during the lengthy monsoon season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 17:55 IST

BCCI Secretary Visits New Cricket Academy

On Thursday, Devajit Saikia, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), toured the newly established indoor cricket academy located at the Sikkim Cricket Ground in Mining, Rangpo.

Modern Facility Set to Open

Constructed at a cost of ₹23 crore, this cutting-edge facility will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 28 from Gangtok, alongside various other infrastructure projects. The indoor academy, situated within the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) grounds, boasts modern amenities including net practice areas, a gym, a swimming pool, and other vital infrastructure designed to elevate cricket training standards in the region.

BCCI's Commitment to Northeastern Cricket

Saikia pointed out that prior to 2019, only Assam and Manipur held permanent BCCI membership among the Northeastern states, while six others did not. However, all states in the Northeast have now been granted permanent membership, facilitating substantial infrastructure advancements. He emphasized that the BCCI is dedicated to elevating these states to the level of more established members by fostering and supporting cricket development.

Inauguration to Enhance Cricket in the Region

During his visit, Saikia informed reporters that the project, which began in 2022, is now complete and will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi. He mentioned that the facilities in Rangpo, along with similar projects in five other Northeastern states, will be inaugurated in a single event.

"The Prime Minister is set to visit Sikkim on April 28. On that day, the indoor cricket facilities we initiated in 2022 will be completed and ready for inauguration. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the facilities in Rangpo and five other Northeastern states. All six facilities will be inaugurated from Gangtok, providing a fresh boost to cricket in the entire Northeastern region," Saikia stated.

Impressed by the Facilities

The BCCI Secretary expressed his admiration for the cricket infrastructure, stating, "I have visited Sikkim for infrastructure projects several times before, but this is my first visit to see the cricket facilities specifically. I am pleasantly surprised by the excellent amenities. The cricket ground built by the Sikkim Cricket Association is stunning, featuring an international-standard pitch and outfield, all set in beautiful surroundings. These facilities are exceptional, and the Sikkim Cricket Association has made significant contributions to cricket development here."

Indoor Facilities to Combat Monsoon Challenges

Saikia also mentioned that the initiative for indoor cricket infrastructure in the Northeastern states was launched in 2022 under the guidance of former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, considering the region's lengthy monsoon season.

"When Jay Shah was the BCCI Secretary in 2022, he initiated a project aimed at developing cricket in the Northeast. This project sought to establish indoor cricket facilities in every state that had recently gained membership, as the region experiences heavy rainfall for six to seven months each year. The goal was to ensure that cricketers could practice without interruptions. Under Jay Shah's leadership, the BCCI commenced this project in 2022, and it is now complete," Saikia concluded.