In a significant development for Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled its state-of-the-art ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Bengaluru. The inauguration on Saturday, September 28, was marked by the presence of notable figures in the cricketing world, including Indian cricket legend VVS Laxman.
“I have been to some of the best academies in the world, not only limited to cricket, but other sports also. I have not seen this kind of facility,” Laxman remarked. “The beneficiaries will be not only the future generation of cricketers, but also the current generation of cricketers.” His words reflect the broad impact this facility is expected to have on both current and future athletes.
Spread over an expansive 40 acres and totaling more than one lakh square feet, the centre is a realization of the vision of Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary. Shah spearheaded this ambitious project, getting it off the ground around 16 months ago. The resulting facility is considered one of the best in the world, characterized by its comprehensive and versatile training features.
“One person I would definitely want to single out is Jay,” Laxman said, underscoring Shah’s dedication to the project. “I have seen and I have been part of various meetings when he came here, interacted with the L&T (builders) team. And the kind of timelines, the kind of deadlines he has put on them, and almost while empowering them, he made sure that all of them followed the timelines.” Shah’s hands-on approach was critical in ensuring the project met its ambitious targets.
At the core of the Centre are three world-class cricket grounds. The main ground, designated as Ground A, features an impressive 85-yard boundary with 13 meticulously maintained pitches made from Mumbai red soil. Advanced floodlights and broadcasting capabilities enable it to host and televise matches under evening skies. Grounds B and C are specifically designed for practice, each with 75-yard boundaries. These grounds include 11 pitches made of Mandya soil from Karnataka and nine pitches made of Black Cotton soil from Kalahandi, Odisha.
For Laxman, who has an illustrious career playing 134 Tests and 86 One Day Internationals (ODIs), the facility represents a dream fulfilled. “It is a dream come true for all the players.
. And someone like me who has played for the country at the highest level, I think it is a very important moment,” he noted.
The Centre also offers an impressive array of 45 outdoor net pitches for practice. These are organized into nine clusters comprising different types of pitches—Mumbai red soil, Mandya soil, Kalahandi black cotton soil, and concrete—each separated by safety nets sourced from the UK. Adjacent to these nets is a dedicated fielding practice area, complemented by six outdoor running tracks with both natural grass and Mondo synthetic surfaces.
Adding to the Centre’s versatility is a world-class indoor practice facility. It features eight pitches with premium turfs imported from the UK and Australia, along with an 80-meter shared run-up area. This section is designed to provide a complete training environment regardless of weather conditions.
Jay Shah highlighted the broader goals of the Centre of Excellence during the inauguration. “The inauguration of the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone in our journey to elevate Indian cricket to new heights. This world-class facility, built with cutting-edge infrastructure, reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers and advancing sports science,” he said. Shah emphasized that the Centre is not only a hub for cricket but also plays a crucial role in the development of sports science for athletes across different disciplines.
“At the BCCI, we believe in creating pathways for excellence, and this Centre is a testament to our vision of building a strong foundation for future sporting success. With these exceptional resources at our disposal, I am confident that this facility will empower our athletes to compete at the highest level, both domestically and internationally,” Shah added, expressing his optimism for the future.
The Centre also boasts a Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) Block, covering a 16,000 square-foot gym equipped with top-tier fitness equipment. This gym includes four athletic tracks and high-quality Mondo rubber flooring. Additionally, the block houses a physiotherapy rehab gym, and advanced sports science and medicine lab, a recovery area complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, underwater pool spa, and cold shower facilities. Other amenities include an 80-seater meeting room, coaches’ area, and a 25×12-meter swimming pool. Dedicated audio-visual and projector facilities enhance the Centre’s ability to host training sessions, presentations, and fitness classes.
With such comprehensive offerings, the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru sets a new standard for cricket training facilities in the world. It stands as a testament to India’s commitment to sports excellence and the continuous growth of cricket in the country.