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The Board of Control for Cricket in India marked a major step in expanding cricket infrastructure across the country with the inauguration of six indoor cricket academies in the North-East, formally opened by Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 28).
The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the state-of-the-art facilities during a function in Gangtok, underlining a significant push towards strengthening sports infrastructure and unlocking the region's sporting potential.
Pan-North-East High-Performance Network Takes Shape
The academies have been set up across six states - Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). Together, they form the first pan-North-East high-performance cricket ecosystem, aimed at ensuring
equal access to quality training facilities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council, along with BCCI office bearers and senior officials, while representatives from the North-Eastern states joined virtually.
Vision Driven by Long-Term Development
The project was conceptualised during Jay Shah's tenure as BCCI Secretary, with the foundation stone laid in May 2024. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen cricketing ecosystems in emerging regions and create pathways for talent identification.
With the North-East now integrated into India's domestic cricket structure, the academies represent a crucial next step in building a sustainable talent pipeline.
World-Class Facilities for Year-Round Training
Designed as high-performance centres, the academies are equipped with:
- Indoor practice pitches
- Advanced gymnasiums
- Temperature-controlled swimming pools
- Dedicated training and administrative blocks
These facilities are expected to enable year-round training, particularly addressing challenges such as prolonged monsoon seasons, which have historically limited outdoor practice in the region.
BCCI Officials Highlight Long-Term Impact
BCCI President Mithun Manhas described the initiative as a move towards inclusivity in cricket infrastructure. He emphasised that aspiring cricketers from the North-East will now have access to facilities comparable to those in other parts of the country.
Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia called the inauguration a "red-letter day" for the region, noting that the academies will provide much-needed consistency in training and preparation, helping players progress to higher levels.
Vice President Rajeev Shukla highlighted the region's untapped potential, stating that the focus will now shift to creating competitive exposure and pathways for talent to thrive.
Joint Secretary Prabhtej Bhatia underlined the importance of building a long-term system, pointing out that infrastructure, coaching, and fitness support together form the backbone of player development.
Treasurer A. Raghuram Bhat reiterated BCCI's commitment to expanding cricket's reach across India, stressing that sustained investment in such initiatives is key to maintaining the country's depth in talent.
A Major Boost for North-East Cricket
The six academies are expected to reduce the need for players to travel outside the region for professional training, making high-quality facilities more accessible. More importantly, they represent a shift towards decentralising cricket development and ensuring that geography is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
With this initiative, the BCCI has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and competitive future, where talent from the North-East can emerge and compete at the highest levels of Indian and international cricket.
