Shillong, April 27: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) is set to mark a significant milestone with the formal inauguration of its Indoor Cricket Academy at Kurkalang on April 28, as part of a landmark initiative led by Narendra Modi, who will virtually inaugurate indoor stadiums across all six Northeastern states from Sikkim.
MCA President James P.K. Sangma has extended a formal invitation to all affiliated members to attend the event at Kurkalang, highlighting the importance of the occasion for cricket development in the state.
The inauguration represents the culmination of renewed efforts to revive and complete the facility, which had remained unfinished for several months under the previous administration. Sangma credited the intervention of Conrad K. Sangma for expediting the project’s completion.
“I had requested the intervention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to fast-track the completion of the Academy. I am grateful that due to his interventions, the Indoor Cricket Academy is now ready to be inaugurated and used,” Sangma said.
One of the key breakthroughs ahead of the inauguration was the provision of electrical power to the facility. Following Sangma’s request, the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited ensured power connectivity within a record 12 days, removing a major obstacle and enabling the academy to become operational in time.
Calling the occasion a matter of pride, Sangma emphasized the broader significance of the Prime Minister’s involvement.
“It is indeed a great honour to have the Prime Minister inaugurate the Indoor Cricket Academy. This will mean a great deal for our state and the Northeast collectively in boosting cricket in the region,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sangma stressed that optimal utilization of the facility is a priority. He noted that discussions have already been held with key committees, including a Cricket Advisory Sub-Committee comprising former players, to design structured training and development programmes.
The Kurkalang Indoor Cricket Academy, developed with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, is expected to significantly strengthen cricketing infrastructure in Meghalaya. With modern indoor facilities, it will enable year-round training, offering a major boost to player development and the overall growth of the sport in the region.
