BCCI To Spend Nearly ₹500 Crores For Bengaluru's New Centre Of Excellence

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a monumental project to build a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) by replacing the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is likely to cost around  INR 500 crores. Ever since Sourav Ganguly took over as the President of the BCCI, changes have been ringing in thick and fast – both on and off the field.

Recently, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly met NCA head Rahul Dravid to chalk out a roadmap for the improvement of the academy.

Majorly, it was Dravid, who gave his presentation while the others in the board meeting heard his thoughts. Dravid’s presentation focused on the current age-group programmes, rehabilitation facilities and a roadmap for junior cricket in the country.

Work has begun in full swing – BCCI Official:

The cost involved in the project is huge as the Times of India reported that the grand project is likely to cost around Rs 500 crores. The work of the Centre of Excellence will go beyond the work used to be performed by the NCA. It will improve its sports medicine approach by joining with medical institutions.

“There can’t be any specific amount assigned to the project. There will be tenders issued for each work. But going by the initial blueprint that’s in place, it is estimated that the project will cost minimally around Rs 500 crore. There will be improvisations to the blueprint. The project is running six months late but with the new BCCI regime in place, work has begun in full swing. BCCI expects the CoE to be functional in another two years. NCA director Rahul Dravid is actively involved,” a senior official told BCCI.

A lot of work put into the nature of pitches –

Further, he added that there will be a lot of work put into the preparation of the pitches. There will be four grounds at the CoE which will be utilised for hosting domestic tournaments, warm-up games and other preparatory matches.

The BCCI has already got the athlete monitor system and bio-mechanical bowling coach. There are a few more plans to grow with the modern game.

“There is a lot of work put into the nature of pitches. Various types of clay and soil will be used for these hybrid pitches to mimic those found in countries like Australia, New Zealand and England. There are zonal games. Touring teams also play warm-up matches and there are other preparatory games organised by the board organizes,” the official added.

“The grounds can also be used for domestic tournaments if grounds across the country are not available at any point. There is also an idea to have an NCA team,” the official further said.

BCCI had signed a 25-acre deal with the Karnataka government in May and now it has got an additional 15 acres of land from the government for setting up the Centre of Excellence near the Bengaluru international airport.

The NCA was deemed to be the supply line of Indian cricket. But it became a rehabilitation centre, which even Ganguly acknowledged after taking over.

Now, they are looking to make it a centre for all activities.

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