BCCI Centre of Excellence: How Jay Shah's Vision Is Changing Indian Cricket

Bengaluru, India: What was once a desolate 40-acre plot of land near the bustling Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru now stands as the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence (CoE), a testament to the unwavering vision and diligent efforts of former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Inaugurated on September 28, 2024, the facility officially became operational in November 2024, marking a significant leap forward for Indian cricket development.

From Barren Land to Cricketing Hub

The journey to establish the CoE was fraught with challenges, primarily involving the regularization of the 40-acre land parcel, which had lain idle for years. Current BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted Shah's pivotal role, noting his persistence in bringing all stakeholders onto the same page and driving the project forward “on a war footing.” Work on the ambitious project commenced on February 14, 2022, transforming an ambitious idea into a world-class cricketing facility in a remarkably short span.

VVS Laxman Driving BCCI's Centre of Excellence Vision

The Centre of Excellence represents a crucial transition from the temporary arrangements of the erstwhile National Cricket Academy (NCA), which operated from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium premises. Designed as a high-performance academy and sports science centre, the CoE aims to identify, develop, train and rehabilitate India's most promising cricketers. It is not merely a rehabilitation hub but a facility with a broader mandate to foster excellence across all facets of the game.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman has been an integral part of this transformation since taking over as the head of the CoE in late 2021, succeeding Rahul Dravid after he became India head coach. Laxman relocated to Bengaluru in December 2021 to ensure continuity while establishing the facility's structure, processes and protocols. He also turned down the opportunity to become India's head coach in 2024, choosing instead to remain committed to building the Centre of Excellence.

World-Class Facilities at a Glance

The BCCI Centre of Excellence boasts an impressive array of facilities, making it a truly global standard institution:

• Playing Grounds: Three world-class grounds, including a main Ground A with an 85-yard boundary, floodlighting, and broadcasting capabilities. Grounds B and C serve as dedicated practice grounds with 75-yard boundaries.
• Pitches: A total of 86 pitches, comprising 45 outdoor net pitches with varied soil types (Mumbai red, Mandya, Kalahandi black cotton) and 8 indoor pitches featuring premium turfs from the UK and Australia.
• Training & Performance: Dedicated fielding practice areas, six outdoor running tracks, and an innovative subsurface drainage system for rapid post-rain recovery.
• Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) Block: A sprawling 16,000 sq. ft. gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a physiotherapy rehab gym, advanced sports science labs, and comprehensive recovery areas including jacuzzis, saunas, underwater pools, and cold showers.
• Amenities: Large dressing rooms (nearly 3,000 sq. ft.), a swimming pool, audio-visual facilities, and a Hall of Fame celebrating India's cricketing heritage.

Jay Shah, then BCCI Secretary, and President Roger Binny jointly inaugurated the facility, which also extends its support to Indian Olympians, contributing to the nation's broader sports ecosystem. As the CoE approaches its second anniversary, it stands as a shining example of strategic foresight and dedicated execution, poised to shape the future of Indian cricket for generations to come.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 03:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).