OCA plans new academy near twin cities

Cuttack: The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has decided to set up a new academy by acquiring around 20-40 acres of land near Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. OCA secretary Sanjay Behera on Saturday said the proposed academy, costing around Rs 50 crore, will have two to three cricket fields and all other modern amenities required for an academy of international standard.
The modern amenities will include practice pitches, game venues, swimming pool, sand pit, gym, rehab room, residential complexes and recreation room. The academy will be completed on a priority basis, he said.
Behera said the association has also decided to renovate Barabati Stadium. The major infrastructure at the stadium will be taken up for repair and refurbishing will include gallery number 7, club house, Sachin Tendulkar Indoor hall and Barabati Stadium ground. Landscaping will be done in major areas of Barabati Stadium, he said.
Presently, the OCA has an academy on the southwest corner of the stadium. It has 10 pitches, six natural turfs, two synthetic (one designed to help pacers and other one for spinners) and two concrete. The academy is also supported with a hi-tech multi-gym facility.
Lalmohan Patnaik