In a major push to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem, Narendra Modi inaugurated six state-of-the-art indoor cricket academies across North-East India.
The initiative is part of the expansion programme led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to build world-class cricket infrastructure in emerging regions.
The inauguration was held virtually during a state function in Gangtok.
Locations of the New Cricket Academies
The academies have been set up in six North-Eastern states:
- Rangpo
- Doimukh
- Imphal
- Madankurklang
- Aizawl
- Dimapur
This wide geographical spread ensures access to quality training across the region.
Key Features of the Academies
These academies are designed as high-performance training centres with modern facilities such as:
- Indoor practice pitches
- High-tech gymnasiums
- Temperature-controlled swimming pools
- Dedicated training and administrative blocks
They will allow year-round training, especially important in regions affected by long monsoon seasons.
Role of BCCI and Jay Shah
The project was conceptualised under the leadership of Jay Shah during his tenure as BCCI Secretary.
- Foundation stone laid in May 2024
- Focus on building cricket ecosystems in emerging regions
- Aim to reduce dependency on other cities for training
The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials including International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives and BCCI office bearers.
Why This Initiative Is Important
The North-East region has immense untapped sports potential.
This initiative will:
- Promote grassroots cricket development
- Provide equal access to world-class facilities
- Reduce migration of players to metro cities
- Create a strong talent pipeline
Statements from Cricket Officials
BCCI President Mithun Manhas highlighted that the initiative aims to create a more inclusive cricket ecosystem across India.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed confidence that this will help more players from the North-East reach higher levels of the game.
Vice-President Rajeev Shukla emphasised the need to now focus on providing competitive exposure and career pathways for emerging talent.
Impact on Indian Cricket
This initiative could:
- Increase representation from North-East India
- Strengthen domestic cricket structure
- Identify future national-level players
- Expand India’s cricket talent pool
Conclusion
The inauguration of six indoor cricket academies marks a significant step toward democratising sports infrastructure in India.
With better facilities and structured training pathways, the North-East region is now set to emerge as a new powerhouse of cricketing talent.