BCCI's big NorthEast push explained: PM Modi inaugurates indoor facilities in 6 cities

BCCI has expanded into the NorthEast with six new indoor academies. The move aims to create year-round training and widen the talent base.

In Short

• Academies were launched virtually during an event held in Gangtok on Tuesday
• Centres have opened in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland
• Indoor setups aim to limit monsoon disruptions and support year-round practice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated six indoor cricket academies across the North-East, in a major infrastructure push by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The move is part of a wider plan to expand the game’s footprint in the region and provide access to high-performance facilities. It also marks a shift towards a more decentralised cricketing structure beyond traditional centres.

The academies were launched virtually during an event in Gangtok, with the project having been conceptualised during the tenure of Jay Shah as BCCI secretary. The aim is to create a connected network of training centres across the North-East, reducing dependence on a single hub.

WHERE ARE THESE ACADEMIES?

• Rangpo, Sikkim
• Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh
• Imphal, Manipur
• Madankurklang, Meghalaya
• Aizawl, Mizoram
• Dimapur, Nagaland

BCCI MOVING BEYOND A SINGLE CENTRE

For long, Guwahati has been the main cricketing base in the North-East. While it continues to hold that position, the BCCI’s latest move indicates a clear shift towards spreading infrastructure across multiple states.

The presence of academies in six different locations is expected to ease access for players, many of whom previously had to travel to Guwahati or outside the region for better facilities.

WHY ARE THESE ACADEMIES INDOOR?

One of the key aspects of these academies is their indoor setup. The North-East’s extended monsoon season has often disrupted outdoor training, affecting player development.

With covered practice areas and integrated support facilities, the new centres are designed to function throughout the year. This reduces weather-related interruptions and allows players to maintain consistent training schedules.

WHAT IS BCCI'S PLAN IN NORTH EAST?

The initiative was started during the stint of Jay Shah as BCCI secretary, who started the project in May 2024. It followed the inclusion of North-Eastern teams in India’s domestic cricket structure, highlighting the need for parallel infrastructure development.

“This initiative reflects a clear intent to take cricket infrastructure to every region and build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for the game,” BCCI president Mithun Manhas said.

“This is a momentous occasion for the North-East. The facilities will ensure that training continues throughout the year, giving players the consistency they need to develop their game,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia added.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE REGION

The launch of these academies is expected to strengthen the cricketing ecosystem in the North-East. It addresses a long-standing gap in infrastructure and provides a pathway for talent development within the region.

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