Bengaluru, often heralded as India’s technology and innovation hub, now holds another feather in its cap with the unveiling of the new BCCI Center of Excellence in Cricket. Launched on September 28, the state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize cricket training and development in the country. The centre, located on the outskirts of the city, has already been praised by Indian cricket legend VVS Laxman, who remarked, “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 went on to emphasize, “The beneficiaries will be not only the future generation of cricketers but also the current generation of cricketers.”
The monumental project unfolds over an expansive 40 acres and encapsulates over one lakh square feet of premier facilities. Spearheaded by Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the concept took around 16 months to materialize from its initial brainstorming sessions. Laxman particularly commends Shah’s pivotal role, saying, “One person I would definitely want to single out is Jay, because 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.”
At the heart of the Centre of Excellence stand three world-class cricket grounds. The main ground, designated as Ground A, features an 85-yard boundary accompanied by 13 meticulously maintained Mumbai red-soil pitches. These come furnished with state-of-the-art floodlights and broadcasting amenities, making it possible to host and telecast matches under the lights. Grounds B and C, meanwhile, function as dedicated practice terrains. These practice grounds come with 75-yard boundaries and are designed with an array of 11 Mandya soil pitches and nine Black Cotton soil pitches sourced from Karnataka and Odisha, respectively.
For VVS Laxman, a veteran of 134 Tests and 86 ODIs, cricketing aspirations have been made more tangible with such facilities. “It is a dream come true for all the players,” he remarked candidly. “And someone like me who has played for the country at the highest level, I think it is a very important moment.”
The Centre’s exquisite setup also includes a staggering 45 outdoor net pitches, organized into nine clusters.
. These clusters integrate Mumbai red soil, Mandya soil, and Kalahandi black cotton soil pitches, along with concrete pitches. Each net is separated by safety nets sourced from the UK, and an adjoining dedicated fielding practice area completes the outdoor provisions. To ensure that athletes are in peak physical state, six outdoor running tracks with natural grass and Mondo synthetic surface have also been laid out.
Adding to the spectrum of facilities is an outstanding indoor practice area that features eight pitches furnished with premium turfs from the UK and Australia. Athletes can benefit from an 80-meter common run-up area, ensuring adequate preparation for matches in any condition.
Jay Shah envisions the BCCI Centre of Excellence as a cardinal milestone in India’s cricketing journey. Speaking at the inauguration, he said, “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. It is not only a hub for comprehensive training and performance development in cricket but also a facility that will contribute to the growth of sports science for athletes across disciplines.”
Shah’s vision aligns seamlessly with the mission of elevating Indian sports. “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,” he affirmed.
To complement the extensive outdoor and indoor cricket facilities, the Centre also boasts a Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) block which spans a substantial 16,000 square feet. This area includes a top-tier gym fitted with the latest equipment and four athletic tracks with high-quality Mondo rubber flooring. Fitness and recovery facilities are a significant component, including a specialized physiotherapy rehab gym, a sports science and medicine lab equipped with cutting-edge technology, as well as recovery areas featuring a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, underwater pool spa, and cold shower areas. Additionally, the SSM block is integrated with meeting rooms, coaches’ areas, and a 25×12-meter swimming pool. Audio-visual and projector facilities are also available to support training sessions, presentations, and fitness classes, ensuring a holistic training environment for athletes.
The BCCI Centre of Excellence is more than just an infrastructure project; it represents a pioneering step towards nurturing future cricketing talents and fostering a culture of sports excellence in India.