Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated six new indoor cricket academies across Northeast India in a move aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure and creating more opportunities for young cricketers in the region. The facilities were launched virtually during an event in Sikkim.
The academies have been set up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in six states namely, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland. The new centres are expected to provide modern training facilities, coaching support and improved access to professional cricket development.
The project is seen as a major boost for aspiring players in the Northeast, where cricket has been growing steadily in popularity. Many youngsters from the region have often had to travel to larger cities for better coaching and practice facilities. With these academies now closer to home, training opportunities are expected to become more accessible.
One of the biggest advantages of the new centres is that they are fully indoor facilities. The Northeast experiences heavy rainfall and long monsoon seasons, which can often disrupt outdoor cricket practice. Indoor academies will allow players to train consistently throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
The inauguration event was attended by senior BCCI officials, including ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with representatives from the participating states.
