VVS Laxman hails BCCI's Centre of Excellence as game-changer
VVS Laxman, the boss of the brand-new BCCI Centre of Excellence, believes that the facility can really step up India's cricket game across all formats. This center, earlier known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has been rebranded and shifted to a new spot near Bengaluru airport. It was officially inaugurated by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Saturday in a private ceremony that saw a gathering of other bigwigs.
Laxman highlights the center's benefits for cricketers
Laxman highlighted that the center is a win-win for both present and future generations of cricketers. He said, "They come to upskill themselves, get ready for the challenges and various series they are going to participate in." He also tackled the myth that this facility is just for rehabilitation, adding that every player who steps in is on a mission to excel and become their best version.
Laxman outlines the center's state-of-the-art facilities
The center has three types of soil for making pitches: red soil from Mumbai, local soil from Mandya (Karnataka), and soil from Kalahandi (Odisha). There are around 45 practice wickets, including five cement tracks. "What we want is the players to know how to adapt to different conditions," Laxman explained. He emphasized that this facility will help cricketers experience diverse conditions before they even set off on a tour.
Laxman emphasizes on player recovery at the center
Laxman emphasized that while the center is about more than just rehab, it will prioritize player recovery. "It is not only about players getting injured and recovering on time. But it is also about maintaining the highest level of fitness standards," he said. The facility spans a 40-acre campus and includes three grounds built as per ICC's regulations for first-class cricket, an indoor facility with surfaces imported from UK and Australia, and a vast outdoor nets area with 45 pitches.
Centre of Excellence: A look at the additional facilities
The main venue of the center has got modern floodlights, a sub-air drainage system, broadcast facilities, and 13 red-soil surfaces brought in from Mumbai. Grounds B and C will be the dedicated practice grounds with black soil surfaces sourced locally from southern Karnataka and Odisha. The facility also has an indoor and outdoor athletics track, apart from pool and recovery facilities. Seven acres of land has been set aside for future expansion.
