The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inaugurated the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on Sunday, September 29. Now it will also be known as BCCI Center of Excellence. The new NCA has been created in keeping with the vision of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, and aims to help in the skill development of the future generation of cricket in India.

BCCI has three world-class grounds in the new NCA.

The new NCA is spread over 40 acres of land, with a total of three grounds and 86 pitches, including both indoor and outdoor pitches. All three grounds have been designed on the lines of English county grounds.

The main ground, which is Ground A, has a boundary of 85 yards, with 13 red clay pitches available for playing. Grounds B and C are mainly laid out for practice with a boundary of 75 yards. The ground also has 11 Mandya clay pitches and 9 Black Cotton clay pitches.

In case of rain, Subsurface Drainage System is installed, so that water can be drained as quickly as possible after the rain. Apart from this, the center also has 45 outdoor net pitches. There is a fielding practice area and six outdoor running tracks right next to the nets.

Integrated cameras have also been installed

For indoor facilities, eight pitches exist with turf from the UK and Australia. Additionally, there is an 80-metre common run-up area, as well as reinforced glass panels. In the indoor arena, there are also integrated cameras that will capture the game for better analysis, ensuring that players can complete their practice regardless of time and weather.

The dressing room is also excellent

The South Pavilion is a two-storey building spread over 45,000 square feet, with the largest being the dressing room, which is approximately 3,000 square feet, with a Jacuzzi, lounge, massage room, kit room and toilets. There are also state-of-the-art commentators and match referee rooms with broadcasting facilities, a large press conference area and a VIP lounge and dining space. The Dining and Dormitory Block, a single storey building of 15,000 square feet, is built for the dining and living quarters of the staff.