BCCI headquarters in Mumbai | Getty
BCCI headquarters in Mumbai | Getty

The BCCI has come up with a plan to offer contracts to some exciting talents in the bowling department which would be other than centrally contract players. The identified players would be groomed under the watchful eyes of the National Cricket Academy.

It has been learned that BCCI would pick 10 bowlers both in Men’s and Women’s cricket. Currently, the National Cricket Academy is headed by VVS Laxman while Troy Cooley is working as a bowling coach.

Earlier VVS Laxman also stated that BCCI is working to have 5 level structure in Indian cricket- Under-16, Under-19, Emerging Team, India A, India senior team. The idea is that U-19 cricketers wouldn’t lose their way after representing India.

India
India. Image Credits: BCCI

But these bowling talents will be scouted separately and will be constantly groomed here. The junior and senior selection will find those talents across the country.

“The NCA will monitor the growth of these players and chart their career paths. There are plans to include all-rounders and wicket keepers in the future too,” a BCCI source spoke to Times of India.

 

It hasn’t been decided on how much these contracts would be worth but sources told that it might be up to 50 Lakhs.

Meanwhile, the foundation of the new NCA has been laid on Monday and it is likely to be completed in 18 months. It will have 40 pitches and 3 full grounds. The full project cost BCCI around 200 crores.

“The idea is to give them competitive matches. The new NCA can have zonal tournaments. These contracted players could also be lodged at the premises,” the source added further.

The existing National Cricket Academy is located at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, Bengaluru. It was established in 2000 when the late Raj Singh Dungarpur was the BCCI president. The original idea for its establishment was to train young players who were identified as potential Indian prospects. It has also been used rehabilitation centre for injured players.

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