Cuttack : The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) will set up an international standard cricket academy by acquiring a land of 20-40 acres near Cuttack–Bhubaneswar. This was known from the Apex Council Meeting of OCA held on July 31st through a virtual platform.
In this meeting, it was decided that the OCA will set up an international standard cricket academy which will have 2-3 Cricket fields and all other modern amenities required for an academy (like practice wickets, match fields, swimming pool, sandpit, gym, rehab room, residential complexes recreation room, etc. ). The proposed budget for this academy is Rs 50 Cr approx. This proposal was highly appreciated and was resolved that it has to be done on a priority basis for the larger interest of Cricket of our state.
Also, it was decided that the Barabati Stadium will be renovated. The infrastructures like Gallery No-7 will be repaired, the Club House, Sachin Tendulkar Indoor Hall, OCA academy, Barabati Stadium Ground & other infrastructures will also be repaired and renovated and landscaping will be done in major areas of Barabati Stadium. This proposal was appreciated & was resolved that this work may start as soon as possible.
Besides, it was decided that OCA will develop the infrastructure of its affiliated units, and regarding this OCA has already circulated letters to all its affiliated units and has received many responses. The affiliated units, where OCA will develop infrastructure, OCA will also provide equipment and also will appoint a Coach for the development of Cricketers at the Grass root level. In this regard, it may be noted that OCA is planning to develop turf wickets across the state which will immensely benefit the Cricketers. This proposal was highly appreciated and was approved.