Bengaluru: The inauguration of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) newly established Centre of Excellence marks a key moment for Indian cricket, according to former cricketer and current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), VVS Laxman.
The facility, which was formerly the NCA, has been relocated to a vast 40-acre site near the international airport and was officially opened on Sunday.
The Centre of Excellence, a long-awaited vision for the cricket community, features three expansive grounds, including a main pitch with 13 red-soiled surfaces and state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities. The additional pitches incorporate a mix of soiled types, and the complex also boasts a 45-pitch outdoor training area and eight climate-controlled indoor nets.
In a press conference following the inauguration, Laxman expressed optimism about the benefits of the new facility, stating, "The beneficiaries will be not only the future generation of cricketers but also the current generation." He highlighted that the CoE is designed to cater to the training needs of both junior and senior players throughout the year.
With plans for full operational capacity by early 2025, the Centre will also include an advanced Sports Science and Medicine unit covering over 16,000 square feet, initially accommodating 24 male and eight female cricketers, with the potential for future expansion.
Laxman addressed common misconceptions about the NCA, asserting that it is not solely a rehabilitation center. "All the cricketers come here not just for rehab but to upskill and prepare for various series challenges," he noted. He believes that the new Centre will foster a culture of excellence, enabling players to reach their full potential.
As India continues to evolve in the world of cricket, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence represents a significant investment in the future of the sport, ensuring that the nation remains competitive at the highest levels.
