Delhi Capitals Coach Raises Serious Questions Over BCCI Facility

Delhi Capitals [Source: AP Photos]

Delhi Capitals bowling coach has raised important concerns about the facilities provided by the BCCI at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the overall domestic cricket system in India. The NCA, which is located in Bengaluru, was set up in 2000 with the aim of improving cricket standards across the country. Over the years, it has played a key role in shaping Indian cricket.

Notably, the NCA was created to provide a complete training environment for cricketers. It focuses on different areas such as skill development, fitness training, and injury recovery. In addition, the academy was designed to bring all aspects of cricket preparation under one roof. 

In 2024, the BCCI also introduced a new and modern facility called the Centre of Excellence to upgrade the existing system. Earlier, the NCA operated from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium premises.

What is the role of NCA?

The success of the Indian team at the international level is often linked to a well-planned system. The BCCI has worked to create a structured environment where players can grow and perform. 

As a result, institutions like the NCA were developed to support players at different stages of their careers. This system has helped India become one of the strongest cricketing nations in the world.

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Munaf Patel questions BCCI system

Despite the efforts made by BCCI, former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel, who is currently the bowling coach of Delhi Capitals, has openly shared his concerns. During a podcast with TOI, he explained that the current system does not have a strong pathway for nurturing talent from the grassroots level. 

“Just look at the setup,” he said. “If you go inside the NCA, you’ll understand everything. I’ve been saying this for a long time, it needs to change, 100 percent," he said.

Notably, Munaf Patel also mentioned that basic facilities such as physiotherapists, trainers, and proper coaching need to be improved at the state level. 

‘‘Back in 2000-01, when the NCA started, Raj Singh Dungarpur and others built it by adopting Australia’s Centre of Excellence model. They brought their coaching manual and implemented it in India. 

Since then, Australia has updated their manuals multiple times, but we are still following the same 25-year-old manual from 2000. It hasn’t really evolved. Hopefully, with the new Centre of Excellence, things might change, but so far, that hasn’t happened,” Munaf said during podcast.

NCA compared to a recovery center

Munaf also compared the NCA to a hospital. He explained that players usually go there when they are injured and return once they recover.

 ”Tell me this, when I get injured, I go to the NCA. Why? To get fit. It has become more like a hospital. You recover, come back, and go straight into the team. But who corrects your mistakes? If I’m a bowler or batter, it’s not just about fitness, my skills also need improvement,” Munaf said.

Another serious point raised was that many players feel uncomfortable about going to the NCA. According to Munaf, players prefer to stay silent since their careers depend on the system. 

”Players are fearful of going to the NCA, nobody really wants to go. But everyone stays quiet because their livelihood depends on it. No one wants to speak up as it could create trouble. However, the higher authorities should know what’s right and wrong,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals team is currently training at the new Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Notably, this is a big step, as it is the first time an IPL team has used this facility during this season.

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