Cricket

India's Long-Awaited Centre of Excellence Opens in BengaluruAfter years of anticipation, the Indian cricket fraternity has finally unveiled its state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Located near the Kempegowda International Airport, the academy was inaugurated on September 28 by BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah.The facility boasts world-class infrastructure, including:* Indoor and outdoor practice nets: With advanced technology for ball tracking and analysis.* High-performance gym: Equipped with the latest fitness equipment and expert trainers.* Sports science and medicine center: Providing cutting-edge medical care, nutrition, and rehabilitation services.* Residential facilities: Accommodating up to 100 players and support staff.* Cricket museum: Showcasing the rich history of Indian cricket.The academy aims to nurture young talent and develop elite cricketers for the national team. It will provide comprehensive training programs, including:* Technical coaching: By experienced coaches using innovative techniques.* Physical conditioning: Tailored to the specific needs of cricketers.* Mental training: To enhance focus, resilience, and decision-making.* Nutritional guidance: To optimize performance and recovery.The Centre of Excellence is a testament to the BCCI's commitment to developing Indian cricket. It is expected to play a pivotal role in producing world-class players who will represent the country with distinction on the international stage.

Mumbai's Bandra Reclamation to House Ajinkya Rahane's Cricket AcademyThe Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the allotment of a 2,000 square meter plot at Bandra reclamation to former India and current Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane for the development of a cricket academy. The plot was initially allocated to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor training academy, but the legendary cricketer returned it to the state government in May 2022.According to a Maharashtra cabinet note, Rahane has been granted the land parcel on a 30-year lease. The note stipulates that 15% of the trainees at Rahane's cricket academy must be underprivileged children, and the construction of the academy must be completed within two years of Rahane taking possession of the land.Mumbai BJP president and Bandra MLA Ashish Shelar, who is also the treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), played a key role in securing the land for Rahane's academy. Shelar had taken up the issue with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and had written to government authorities regarding the matter.An official stated that the plot was previously allotted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor cricket training center. However, due to the lack of progress on the project, the government reclaimed the land. The current condition of the plot is reportedly poor.Rahane expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, "Thank you... for supporting my vision of a world-class cricket academy & sports facility in Mumbai. This academy will empower young sportspersons with top-notch facilities & guidance, fostering the next generation of champions in the city..."The allotment of the land to Rahane is a significant development for cricket in Mumbai. The academy is expected to provide young cricketers with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching, helping them to develop their skills and pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.