In a significant step toward strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six modern Indoor Cricket Academies across North-East India. The virtual inauguration took place during a state function in Gangtok, marking a milestone in expanding cricket infrastructure in a region long seen as rich in untapped talent.
The initiative, led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, aims to create a structured pathway for aspiring cricketers by providing world-class training facilities closer to home.
Academies spread across six states
The newly launched academies are strategically located in Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). This wide distribution ensures accessibility and lays the foundation for a unified, high-performance cricket ecosystem across the North-East.
By establishing facilities across multiple states, the project seeks to decentralize cricket development and provide equal opportunities for players from diverse regions.
High-performance facilities for year-round training
Designed as elite training centres, the academies feature indoor practice pitches, advanced gymnasiums, temperature-controlled swimming pools, and dedicated administrative and coaching blocks. These features are tailored to support consistent, year-round training, particularly in a region often affected by heavy monsoon conditions.
The infrastructure also reduces the need for young players to travel to other parts of India in pursuit of professional coaching, making high-quality training more accessible.
Jay Shah’s vision drives project forward
The project was conceptualized under the leadership of Jay Shah during his tenure as BCCI Secretary. The foundation stone for the academies was laid in May 2024, initiating a focused effort to build sustainable cricket infrastructure in emerging regions.
Senior officials from the BCCI and representatives from North-Eastern states participated in the inauguration, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Strengthening India’s cricketing future
The launch of these academies comes as part of a broader effort to integrate North-Eastern states into India’s domestic cricket framework. By investing in infrastructure and talent development, the BCCI aims to unlock the region’s potential and nurture the next generation of cricketers.
With this initiative, the North-East takes a significant step toward becoming a vital contributor to India’s cricketing landscape.
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