PM Modi Inaugurates Six BCCI Indoor Cricket Academies in Northeast

Prime Minister virtually launches modern indoor facilities across six northeastern states, giving a major push to year-round cricket training in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually inaugurated six state-of-the-art indoor cricket academies developed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) across the Northeast, marking a significant boost to the region's emerging cricket ecosystem.

The event took place as Modi was in Gangtok, Sikkim, where he was on an official visit. From there, he formally opened the facilities located in Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland). Senior BCCI officials and ICC Chairman Jay Shah attended the ceremony, with state cricket administrators joining through video link.

Major Infrastructure Push

These academies come as part of the BCCI’s sustained effort to strengthen cricket infrastructure in the Northeast, a region long affected by challenging weather conditions, particularly heavy monsoons that disrupt outdoor training for months. Officials familiar with the project said the indoor facilities will allow players to train throughout the year without having to travel outside their states.

In Manipur, the new academy at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium in Luwangsangbam, Imphal, has drawn particular attention. Funded by the BCCI, the facility includes three indoor practice pitches, a gymnasium, an administrative office, and temperature-controlled swimming pools. Manipur Cricket Association secretary Lairenjam Geetranjan Singh called it a “historic moment” for cricket in the state. He thanked Jay Shah for his support during his earlier tenure as BCCI Secretary and noted that the Board will handle maintenance and operational costs for the next two years.

Year-Round Training Benefits

Speaking about the practical impact, Singh highlighted how the indoor setup will help local players, especially during the rainy season. Training camps and coaching sessions can now continue uninterrupted. He also pointed to Manipur’s recent domestic success — reaching finals in five BCCI tournaments in the 2025 season and winning two Under-19 titles — as a sign of growing talent that these facilities can further nurture.

Similar benefits are expected in the other states. The BCCI has positioned these academies as high-performance centres that will provide better access to quality training for young cricketers across the region. Sources in the board indicated the project was conceptualised under Jay Shah’s leadership as BCCI Secretary, with foundation stones laid in May 2024.

PM’s Emphasis on Sports Talent

During the virtual inauguration, Prime Minister Modi underscored the role of such infrastructure in tapping into the sporting potential of the Northeast. He said these facilities would help nurture local talent and create stronger opportunities for young players, contributing to a more vibrant sports culture in the area.

Later in the day, Modi shared a lighter moment from his Gangtok visit. He posted on X a video of himself playing football with youngsters on a pleasant morning. “Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!” he wrote, drawing warm reactions online. The visuals showed the Prime Minister engaging playfully with the children, highlighting his personal connect with sports and youth.

Building a Regional Cricket Ecosystem

The inauguration of these six academies is being seen as a step towards building a more cohesive cricket ecosystem in the Northeast. For years, talented players from these states have often faced limitations due to inadequate facilities and seasonal disruptions. The new indoor infrastructure aims to bridge that gap by offering modern, weather-proof training environments.

BCCI office-bearers, including President Mithun Manhas, Secretary Devajit Saikia, and others, were present during the event, reflecting the board’s commitment to grassroots development beyond traditional cricket strongholds.

Cricket administrators in the Northeast have welcomed the development, viewing it as validation of the growing interest and potential in the region. With better facilities now in place, expectations are rising for improved performances in domestic tournaments and, eventually, greater representation at higher levels.

As one official noted, consistent training is key to producing quality players. These academies could prove crucial in that journey, especially for states where outdoor grounds often remain waterlogged for extended periods.

The BCCI is expected to monitor the utilisation of these facilities closely in the coming months. While the board will support operations initially, long-term success will depend on how effectively state associations integrate them into their talent development programmes.

For the young cricketers of the Northeast, Tuesday’s development brings tangible hope — the chance to train seriously, stay competitive, and dream bigger without the usual constraints of geography and weather.

Sachin Tendulkar Turns 53: BCCI to Arjun Tendulkar Lead Birthday Wishes for ‘Master Blaster’

Cricket Fraternity Pays Tribute

The ‘God of Cricket’ celebrated his 53rd birthday on Thursday as tributes poured in from across the globe. Born on 24 April 1973 in Mumbai, Sachin Tendulkar received heartfelt wishes from the BCCI, former teammates, and his son Arjun. The cricket fraternity unanimously hailed the highest run-scorer in the sport’s history.

BCCI Shares Stellar Career Stats

The Board of Control for Cricket in India led the tributes by sharing Tendulkar’s monumental career numbers. The board’s post highlighted his 34,357 international runs and record 100 centuries. Officials described him as the most complete batter of his generation. The post quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Arjun Tendulkar’s Playful Diet Jab

Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar wished his father with a light-hearted video. Pointing at a birthday cake, the younger Tendulkar joked about avoiding sugar. “Happy Birthday. But I'm not going to eat this because I don't have sugar very often,” he said. The clip ended with a promise: “I'll see you soon.”

Yuvraj, Harbhajan Recall Golden Days

Former teammates shared emotional memories of sharing the dressing room with Tendulkar. Yuvraj Singh called it an honour to have taken the field alongside the Master Blaster. Harbhajan Singh simply wrote, “Happy Birthday Paaji!” veteran spinner Irfan Pathan stated, “When you say GOAT, I hear Sachin Tendulkar.”

IPL Franchises Join Celebrations

Mumbai Indians, Tendulkar’s former IPL team, called him “the little boy who became every cricket lover’s heartbeat.” Royal Challengers Bengaluru added that every generation found its hero in one name. Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders also extended warm wishes, referring to him as the ‘God of Cricket’.

Jay Shah, Govt Bodies Hail Icon’s Humanity

BCCI secretary Jay Shah praised Tendulkar’s impact beyond the boundary lines. “Your empathy and humanity has a significant impact on society,” Shah wrote. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting joined in, celebrating “the greatest batsman of all time.” Wasim Jaffer said he felt honoured to have played alongside the legend.

A Legacy of Patience and Records

Tendulkar’s journey remains remarkable for its sheer consistency. He reached his first ODI century only after 79 matches, yet finished with 49 ODI hundreds. He played a record 200 Tests and remains the fastest to 15,000 Test runs, achieving the feat in just 300 innings. As the latest news today confirms, the Master Blaster shows no signs of fading from public memory. His influence continues to shape Indian cricket, with young batters still studying his iconic straight drive.