The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) on Wednesday inaugurated six new cricket pitches at the Chicalim Ground, further boosting cricket infrastructure in the Vasco region. The newly-developed facilities include five turf pitches and one concrete pitch, constructed at a cost of around Rs 35 lakh.
Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, GCA President Mahesh Dessai said that no other location in Goa currently has so many practice pitches at a single venue. He added that the association was giving top priority to budding cricketers from Vasco due to the strong cricketing talent emerging from the region.
“We have ensured maximum practice pitches at the Chicalim ground especially because many top cricket stars have come from Vasco. We also have plans for starting a Pink Centre at Vasco and it is only a matter of time before it becomes operational. Coaches have already been assigned and senior coaches too will guide young cricketers from Vasco,” said Dessai.
He further stated that Goa urgently requires an international-standard cricket stadium and expressed confidence that the project would move ahead soon with support from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
“The Goans need a great stadium and this is the need of the hour. The Chief Minister has extended complete support and we may soon witness development of a new stadium ground within the next six months. We have adequate land available and only a few permissions remain to be obtained,” Dessai added.
Another GCA member said the pitches were built using top-quality materials and all required facilities had been made available at the venue.
“We had given priority to Vasco for the Pink Centre too. However, since some pitches were not ready earlier, the project got delayed. It will now be opened shortly. We presently have around 23 centres across Goa and Chicalim is one of them,” the member said.
The member further informed that from next year, inter-centre cricket tournaments between North Goa and South Goa centres would be organised, with the best teams competing in the finals. “Special attention will be given to Under-14 and Under-16 players during these matches for future selections,” the member added.
