All about BCCI’s new National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru

IMAGE: BCCI’s Center of Excellence has a total of three grounds and 86 pitches, both indoors and outdoors. Photo: ANI/X

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Sunday inaugurated the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, which has been renamed the BCCI Center of Excellence.

Spanning over 40 acres, this world-class facility is designed to become the epicenter for nurturing cricketing talent and advancing sports science in India.

The Center of Excellence has a total of three grounds and 86 pitches, both indoor and outdoor, underscoring its capacity to provide comprehensive training facilities, BCCI said in a press release.

There are three world-class cricket grounds in the heart of the centre. Ground A, the main ground, features an 85-metre boundary with 13 meticulously maintained Mumbai red-soil pitches ready for play. Equipped with advanced flood lighting and state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities, it can host and broadcast matches under lights. Sites B and C serve as a special training ground with boundaries of 75 meters, containing 11 Mandya soils and nine Black Cotton soils from Kalahandi, Odisha respectively.

An innovative underground drainage system ensures rapid recovery after rainfall, minimizes disruptions and maintains a consistent playing schedule. The grounds are designed with white picket fences and lush green sitting mounds, reminiscent of English county grounds.

The center offers as many as 45 outdoor net fields for practice, organized into nine clusters including Mumbai red soil, Mandya soil, Kalahandi black cotton soil and concrete fields, all separated by safety nets sourced from Britain. Adjacent to the nets is a dedicated training area for fielding exercises and six outdoor running tracks with natural grass and synthetic Mondo surfaces.

A world-class indoor practice facility features eight pitches with premium artificial grass from Britain and Australia, in addition to an 80-metre communal approach area. Large tempered glass panels let in natural light and create an inviting atmosphere. Integrated cameras capture play for analytical purposes, so athletes can train regardless of the weather or time.

IMAGE: The new National Cricket Academy inaugurated in Bengaluru on Sunday has been renamed the BCCI Center of Excellence. Photo: Jay Shah/X

The South Pavilion, a 45,000-square-foot G+2 structure, includes one of the largest locker rooms at nearly 3,000 square feet, complete with a Jacuzzi, lounge, massage room, equipment room and restrooms. It will house a carefully curated Hall of Fame, showcasing India’s cricketing legacy.

Additional amenities include commentator and match referee rooms with state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities, a spacious press conference room, a VIP lounge and dining area, and administrative offices. The dining and dormitory block, a 15,000 square meter G+1 building, provides food and shelter for staff, including male and female dormitories with provision for future expansion.

The Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) Block includes a 16,000 square meter gym equipped with best-in-class equipment. It includes four athletics tracks and high-quality Mondo rubber floors. The block also houses a physiotherapy rehabilitation center, a sports science and medicine laboratory with the latest technology, a recovery room with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, spa with underwater pool and an area with cold showers. A meeting room with 80 seats, a coach room and a 25 x 12 meter swimming pool are also part of this facility. Dedicated audiovisual and projector facilities support training sessions, presentations and fitness classes.

This facility is not just for cricket but also focuses on advancing sports science and supporting athletes in various disciplines. The state-of-the-art Sports Science & Medicine facility will be open to leading Indian Olympians and will contribute to the overall growth of the Indian sports ecosystem.”

The BCCI Center of Excellence will revolutionize sports training and development in India. With its world-class facilities and a commitment to excellence, the new CoE demonstrates the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes and elevating the country’s stature in the global sporting arena.