New Cricket Academy To Be Set Up Near Cuttack-Bhubaneswar: OCA

Cuttack: Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has decided to set up a new international standard cricket academy. The proposed cricket academy will be set up by acquiring 20-40 acres of land near Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, informed OCA.

The decision was taken during the Apex Council Meeting of OCA held through virtual platform yesterday.

The new international standard cricket academy will have two to three cricket fields with modern amenities including practice wickets, match fields, swimming pool, sand pit, gym, rehab room, residential complexes and recreation rooms. The proposed budget for the academy is Rs 50 crore (approximately), informed OCA officials.

Apart from the new cricket academy, steps will be reportedly taken for the renovating Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Infrastructure of Gallery No-7, Club House, Sachin Tendulkar Indoor hall, OCA Academy, Barabati Stadium Ground and others will also be repaired and renovated with necessary landscaping in major areas of Barabati stadium, an official said.

The Odisha Cricket Association will develop the infrastructure of its affiliated units by providing equipment and appointment of coach for development of cricketers at grassroots level. OCA is also coming up with turf wickets across the State and soon coach development programme for existing and aspiring coaches will also be conducted through virtual platforms, the OCA official added.

With COVID-19 pandemic adversely affecting sporting activities, OCA's plan to put things on right track for sportsperson is a welcome step, said cricket enthusiasts.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)

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