The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is approaching its second anniversary, marking a significant transformation from 40 acres of previously unused land into a modern cricketing facility. The project’s realization is largely attributed to the efforts of former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who played a key role in aligning stakeholders and resolving legal challenges.
Devajit Saikia, current BCCI Secretary, highlighted Shah’s instrumental involvement in driving the project forward. Saikia noted that Shah ensured all members of the BCCI’s Apex Council were on board with the decision to establish the CoE with urgency. This initiative aimed to replace the older, temporary arrangements of the National Cricket Academy.
Shah’s personal visits were crucial in clearing legal hurdles necessary for the project to commence. A significant challenge involved regularising the 40-acre land, which Saikia described as one of the biggest obstacles before construction began on February 14, 2022. Shah’s dedication ensured that all issues were resolved and that everyone involved in the project was focused on its completion.
Infrastructure and facilities at the CoE
The Centre of Excellence, located in Bande Kodigehalli, features extensive facilities designed to meet international standards. The complex includes three cricket grounds, designated as Ground A, B, and C, all constructed to ICC regulations for first-class venues. Ground A utilizes local block soil from Mandya and is equipped with a commentary box, surveillance room, and floodlights, making it suitable for live domestic cricket matches.
Ground B features red soil transported from Mumbai, while Ground C uses black soil sourced from Kalahandi, Odisha. The black soil from Kalahandi is known for its high clay content, which can be up to 70 per cent, contributing to pitches that offer increased pace and bounce. These varied surfaces provide diverse training conditions for cricketers.
Beyond the outdoor grounds, the CoE boasts an advanced indoor net facility. This facility includes eight lanes, with six of these featuring special surfaces imported from countries such as Australia and the UK, alongside locally produced ones. These surfaces are designed to mimic outer pitches, providing grip and skid to the ball, enhancing the training experience.
The outdoor net facility is equally impressive, featuring a well-maintained lawn and a variety of pitches. It includes 20 red-soil pitches, 10 local black-soil pitches, and an additional 10 black-soil pitches with soil from Kalahandi. In addition to cricket-specific amenities, the CoE offers indoor and outdoor athletics tracks and a swimming pool, supporting comprehensive athletic development.
Sports science and recovery
A critical component of the Centre of Excellence is its Sports Science and Medicine Centre. This facility is equipped with modern technologies aimed at helping players maintain fitness and recover from injuries. Among the high-tech equipment, a hyperbaric chamber stands out as a key tool in the recovery process. A member of the BCCI Sports Science staff explained that the chamber allows oxygen to penetrate congested areas, significantly reducing recovery times, potentially from five weeks to three or four weeks.
The centre also houses world-class Motion Analysis technology and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. These resources collectively support players in optimizing their performance and ensuring their well-being. The transition to the new CoE also involved former India cricketer VVS Laxman, who moved to Bengaluru in December 2021 to assist with the shift from the National Cricket Academy following Rahul Dravid’s appointment as head coach for the Indian team.
Laxman credited Jay Shah’s hands-on approach and keen interest in the project, noting Shah’s involvement in meetings with architects and the construction team to ensure every detail of the CoE was meticulously handled. The BCCI Centre of Excellence became fully operational in November 2024, marking the culmination of extensive planning and development.
Source: m.rediff.com
