Inauguration of Indoor Cricket Academies Marks New Era for North-East India
A Historic Day for North-East Cricket
The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, celebrated the launch of six advanced Indoor Cricket Academies across North-East India, referring to it as a 'red-letter day' for the region. This significant event took place during a virtual inauguration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Gangtok, Sikkim, emphasizing the enhancement of sports infrastructure and the unlocking of the North-East's vast sporting potential. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and former BCCI Secretary, along with other senior BCCI officials.
BCCI Secretary's Remarks on the Inauguration
Devajit Saikia expressed gratitude towards PM Modi and Jay Shah, highlighting the inauguration as a pivotal moment for the North-East. He emphasized that these academies will facilitate year-round training, allowing players to develop their skills consistently and create more pathways for cricketers from the region to excel. 'This is a momentous occasion for the entire North-East, and I appreciate PM Modi for attending and inaugurating these facilities. I also thank ICC Chair Jay Shah for his foresight in initiating this project in 2022. This development will significantly benefit cricketers, providing them with the necessary training consistency to elevate their game,' he stated.
Overview of the New Cricketing Ecosystem
The BCCI has established these academies in six locations: Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). Collectively, they create the first comprehensive high-performance cricketing ecosystem in the North-East, ensuring that quality training facilities are accessible across the region. Administrators from the other five North-Eastern states participated in the event via video conference.
Infrastructure and Facilities
These academies are designed as high-performance centers, featuring indoor practice pitches, state-of-the-art gymnasiums, temperature-controlled swimming pools, and dedicated training and administrative blocks. This infrastructure will support year-round training, particularly addressing the challenges posed by the region's lengthy monsoon seasons, and will minimize the need for players to travel elsewhere for professional training.
BCCI's Commitment to Growth
The establishment of these academies marks a significant milestone following the inclusion of North-Eastern states in India's domestic cricket framework, reinforcing the BCCI's dedication to fostering growth, identifying talent, and promoting athlete-centric development.
BCCI Leadership's Support for the Initiative
BCCI President Mithun Manhas expressed appreciation to PM Modi for inaugurating the facilities, stating that this initiative aims to enhance cricket infrastructure nationwide and ensure that North-Eastern players have access to high-quality training resources similar to those available in other regions. 'We are thankful to PM Modi for inaugurating these facilities. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to expanding cricket infrastructure to every region and building a more inclusive foundation for the sport,' he remarked.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla noted that the new academies will provide structure and opportunities in the North-East, fostering long-term growth. He emphasized the importance of competitive exposure and clear pathways for players to succeed at the highest levels. 'These academies will bring structure and opportunity to a region with immense potential. With a high-performance environment established across the North-East, we anticipate steady growth in the coming years,' he stated.
Joint Secretary Prabhtej Bhatia added, 'This initiative is about creating a sustainable system. By investing in grassroots infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for future generations of cricketers from the North-East. The ecosystem surrounding these facilities will support coaching, fitness, and overall player development.'
Treasurer A. Raghuram Bhat emphasized the BCCI's commitment to expanding cricket infrastructure across the nation, stating, 'These academies are crucial for strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring opportunities are available to players regardless of their location. Ongoing investment in such initiatives will be vital for maintaining the depth and competitiveness of Indian cricket in the future.'