PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 6 Indoor Cricket Academies In North-East

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six advanced indoor cricket academies across North-East India. The move marks a key effort to upgrade sports infrastructure and nurture emerging cricket talent.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) built these facilities and introduced them virtually during a state function held in Gangtok. The academies are situated in:

1. Rangpo (Sikkim),
2. Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh),
3. Imphal (Manipur),
4. Madankurklang (Meghalaya),
5. Aizawl (Mizoram) and
6. Dimapur (Nagaland)

Together, they create a connected high-performance cricket framework in the region.

Jay Shah, along with other BCCI office-bearers, attended the inauguration ceremony, while regional representatives joined online.

Jay Shah envisioned the project during his tenure as BCCI Secretary, and authorities initiated construction with a foundation stone laid in May 2024. These academies operate as specialised training hubs. They, however, feature indoor pitches, modern fitness centres, temperature-controlled swimming pools and dedicated administrative and coaching spaces.

The facilities support year-round training. They reduce the need for players to travel outside the region, particularly during the long monsoon season.

“We are grateful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for inaugurating these facilities. This initiative shows a clear intention to develop cricket infrastructure in every region and build a stronger, more inclusive foundation for the game. It is also a key step in ensuring that aspiring cricketers from the North-East have access to the same quality of facilities as other players in the country,” BCCI President Mithun Manhas stated.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the initiative as a major milestone.

“This is a momentous occasion and a significant day for the entire North-East. I thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for attending and opening the facilities. I also thank ICC Chair Mr Jay Shah for his vision and for starting this important project back in 2022,” Devajit Saikia asserted.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla outlined the long-term benefits.

“These academies provide structure and opportunity to a region with great potential. With a high-performance environment now established in the North-East, we expect steady growth in the coming years. The focus will be on creating competitive exposure and pathways that enable this talent to succeed at the highest level,” he further noted.

Joint Secretary Prabhtej Bhatia emphasised grassroots development.

“This is about creating a long-term system. By investing in infrastructure and access at the grassroots level, we are laying the foundation for future generations of cricketers from the North-East. The ecosystem around these facilities will also support coaching, fitness, and overall player development,” he said.

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