86 pitches, 16,000 sq ft gym, premium lounges & more: All you need to know about the new NCA in B'luru

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially inaugurated its groundbreaking National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, now rebranded as the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Spearheaded by Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, this world-class facility marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of cricket and other sports in India.

The Centre features three state-of-the-art cricket grounds, 86 pitches, and world-class training resources, making it a comprehensive hub for cricket and other athletic disciplines. With advanced sports science and medicine facilities, it is designed not only to enhance cricket training but also to support athletes across a range of sports.


With cutting-edge facilities in place for sports medicine, physiotherapy, and sports science, the Centre boasts to be more than just a cricket academy.

Key New Features of the BCCI Centre of Excellence

Three World-Class Grounds:

• Ground A: Main ground with an 85-yard boundary, equipped with floodlights, 13 Mumbai red soil pitches, and state-of-the-art broadcasting for telecasting matches.
• Grounds B and C: Practice grounds with 75-yard boundaries, featuring Mandya and Kalahandi soil pitches.

Practice facilities:

• 45 outdoor net pitches, separated by safety nets, with a mix of different soil types for versatile training.
• Eight indoor pitches with premium UK and Australian turf, ensuring play continues regardless of weather.

Sports Science & Medicine Block:

• 16,000 square-foot gym with the latest equipment and four athletic tracks.
• The South Pavilion boasts one of the largest dressing rooms, complete with jacuzzis, lounges, and a Hall of Fame to celebrate India's cricketing legacy.
• An 80-seater meeting room, coaches' area, and a 25x12-meter swimming pool are also part of this facility. Dedicated audio-visual and projector facilities support training sessions, presentations, and fitness classes.

What else is new at the BCCI Centre of Excellence?

• Ground A is equipped with the latest floodlights and broadcasting technology to host and televise matches live.
• An innovative subsurface drainage system ensures the grounds dry quickly after rain, minimising downtime and keeping training schedules intact.