The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has announced plans to establish its own cricket academy, modeled after the Centre of Excellence (formerly known as the NCA) based in Bengaluru. In addition, the MCA will introduce ‘regional centres’ across the state, according to MCA president Rohit Pawar.
To kick-start this initiative, the MCA will provide financial assistance of ₹75 lakh each to six district cricket associations. The first six districts selected for this support are Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, and Parbhani. The MCA has plans to extend similar aid to the remaining districts in the future. In total, 21 districts fall under the MCA’s jurisdiction.
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The new academy will be named the Ajay Shirke – Maharashtra Cricket Academy, in honour of Ajay Shirke, the former MCA president who also served as the BCCI’s treasurer and secretary.
The announcement was made by Rohit Pawar during the MahaVandan MCA Awards 2025 ceremony. During the event, former India women’s team captain Shubhangi Kulkarni was conferred the MCA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her immense contributions to Indian cricket. Former India player Kedar Jadhav, who retired in June 2024, was honoured with the Legendary Cricketer Award for his outstanding service to Maharashtra and Indian cricket.
“The Maharashtra Cricket Association remains deeply committed to developing grassroots cricket. The establishment of our own cricket academy is a significant stride in that direction,” said Pawar in an official release.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
