BCCI Expands High-Performance Training Network to Boost Grassroots Cricket Development
India’s cricket infrastructure received a major boost on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated six new indoor cricket academies across the North-East, a move aimed at strengthening sports development and creating better opportunities for young players in the region.
The academies, developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), are located in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The inauguration took place during an official event in Gangtok, highlighting the government’s continued emphasis on expanding sports infrastructure beyond traditional cricketing centres.
The newly launched facilities are situated in Rangpo, Doimukh, Imphal, Madankurklang, Aizawl, and Dimapur, creating what officials describe as the first integrated high-performance cricket ecosystem dedicated to the North-East region.
Major Push for Cricket Academies North-East India
The project marks a significant development for Cricket Academies North-East India, a region that has historically faced challenges related to limited infrastructure, difficult weather conditions, and reduced access to professional-level coaching facilities.
By establishing indoor academies equipped with modern training systems, the BCCI aims to provide year-round practice opportunities for aspiring cricketers. Heavy rainfall and extended monsoon seasons have often disrupted outdoor sports activities in many North-Eastern states, making indoor facilities especially valuable for player development.
Each academy has been designed as a comprehensive training centre featuring indoor practice wickets, advanced fitness gyms, temperature-controlled swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for coaching and administration. Officials believe these facilities will reduce the need for young players to travel long distances to metropolitan cities in search of quality cricket training.
The initiative is also expected to improve talent identification in the region, where interest in cricket has steadily increased over the past decade.
Vision Initiated During Jay Shah’s Tenure
The infrastructure project was originally conceptualised during the tenure of Jay Shah as BCCI Secretary. The foundation stones for the academies were laid in May 2024 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen cricketing systems in emerging regions of the country.
Jay Shah attended the inauguration ceremony alongside senior BCCI officials and administrators. Representatives from several North-Eastern cricket associations also joined the event through video conferencing.
According to BCCI officials, the academies are intended to create long-term pathways for athletes from the North-East to compete at national and international levels.
Focus on Equal Access and Grassroots Development
BCCI President Mithun Manhas described the inauguration as an important step toward ensuring equal opportunities for cricketers regardless of geography.
He said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to making high-quality cricket infrastructure accessible across all regions of India, particularly in areas where sports facilities have traditionally been limited.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia called the occasion a landmark moment for the North-East and noted that consistent training environments are essential for the growth of young athletes. He expressed confidence that the academies would help more players from the region progress into elite levels of Indian cricket.
Building a Sustainable Cricket Ecosystem
Vice President Rajeev Shukla said the academies are expected to bring greater structure and long-term opportunities to a region rich in sporting talent. He added that creating competitive pathways and regular exposure would be key to helping local players succeed.
BCCI Joint Secretary Prabhtej Bhatia emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure alone. According to him, the academies are intended to support a broader ecosystem that includes coaching, sports science, fitness, and player welfare.
Treasurer A. Raghuram Bhat said sustained investment in regional cricket infrastructure would remain essential for maintaining the depth and competitiveness of Indian cricket in the future.
Also read: IPL 2026 Tickets: Team-Wise Prices, Booking Platforms, Match Schedule and Complete Guide for Fans
Growing Importance of the North-East in Indian Cricket
The launch of these facilities comes at a time when the North-East has become increasingly integrated into India’s domestic cricket structure. Over recent years, teams from the region have gained more exposure through national tournaments, while several players have begun attracting attention through junior and domestic competitions.
Sports experts believe the new Cricket Academies North-East India initiative could play an important role in accelerating that progress by providing professional-grade facilities closer to home.
The academies are also expected to contribute to local employment, coaching development, and sports tourism while encouraging greater youth participation in cricket across the region.
With the latest expansion, the BCCI has signaled a broader ambition to decentralize cricket development in India and ensure that talent from every corner of the country receives the opportunity to grow within a professional sporting environment.