BCCI president Anurag Thakur, on Monday, called Andhra Cricket Association “a role model for the other associations” for utilising its funds to create a good infrastructure.
Speaking after inaugurating the Krishna District Cricket Association-ACA Cricket Centre in Moolapadu and the ACA Indoor Academy at Mangalagiri in Guntur, Thakur said: “ACA stands as a role model for the other associations to emulate in making optimum use of the funds given to them.”
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“Honestly, I never imagined that this kind of infrastructure is created by the ACA. As they say, you have to see to believe. Hats off to ACA secretary Dr. Gokaraju Gangaraju (who is also the BCCI vice-president) and the president D. V. S. Somayajulu,” he said.
“This is an amazing facility, which can host two first-class matches simultaneously. It is wonderful to have air-conditioned dormitories for the players in the Moolapadu Centre,” added Thakur.
He also appreciated the ACA for hosting a few IPL matches that were shifted from Maharashtra.
“I reiterate that ACA utilised the funds in the best possible manner and the BCCI will extend all possible help in setting up more such facilities in Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
Questioned if ACA is likely to host its first ever Test, Thakur quipped: “Whenever the ACA president and the secretary (who is also the chairman of the tours and fixtures programmes committee) want it, we will host it.”
“All that they have to decide is whether they want their first ever Test to be staged at the new stadium coming up at Mangalagiri or in Vizag,” he said amidst applause.
“It is apparent that ACA team headed by Dr. Gangaraju has set a new bench mark and to create these facilities in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh is something terrific.”
“I think the players should feel proud and lucky to have this kind of infrastructure and any administrator would only be happier if a few of the young talent go on to play for the country,” he said, as the trainees cheered for him at the Mangalagiri Indoor Academy.
Thakur also stressed that the BCCI has earmarked Rs. 100 crores for its Go Green initiative, in which stadiums across India will have solar panels, rainwater harvesting structures and other environment-friendly features. “Maharashtra and Karnataka Cricket Associations already use solar panels and are installing rain harvesting facility and sewerage treatment plant,” he said.
Gangaraju thanked the BCCI officials for allotting Test status to ACA. “We have four full-fledged academies and are determined to take the game to next level in the coming days,” he said.
The BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, who accompanied Thakur, said: “We don’t say we have achieved everything. There is always scope for improving. The best part of ACA efforts is that the long-term planning and right kind of thinking to groom talent,” he said.
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