PM Modi Unveils Six BCCI Indoor Cricket Academies Across Northeast India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated six state-of-the-art indoor cricket academies across Northeast India, marking a major boost to the region’s sports infrastructure under the BCCI’s expansion programme.

The academies are located at Rangpo (Sikkim), Doimukh (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal (Manipur), Madankurklang (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), and Dimapur (Nagaland) . The inauguration was conducted virtually during a state function in Gangtok , with participation from cricket administrators and officials.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the project is aimed at strengthening the cricketing ecosystem in emerging regions and unlocking the sporting potential of the Northeast . ICC chairman Jay Shah and senior BCCI office-bearers attended the ceremony, while representatives from the remaining northeastern states joined via video conference.

According to the BCCI, the initiative was conceptualised and executed by the board , with the foundation stone laid in May 2024 under Jay Shah’s leadership during his tenure as secretary. The academies have been developed as high-performance training centres equipped with indoor practice pitches, modern gymnasiums, temperature-controlled swimming pools, and dedicated administrative blocks.

These facilities are designed to support year-round training , especially in a region affected by long monsoon seasons , and to reduce the need for players to travel outside the region for advanced coaching and facilities.

BCCI president Mithun Manhas said the initiative reflects a commitment to taking cricket infrastructure to every corner of the country and ensuring equal opportunities for aspiring players. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the academies will help more players from the Northeast reach the highest levels of the game .

Vice-president Rajeev Shukla added that the focus now will be on creating stronger competitive exposure and clear pathways for talent development .