GCA sets sights on building int'l stadium in three years

PANAJI
The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has finally set its sights on building an international‑standard cricket stadium in the State within the next three years, marking a significant step in its plans to strengthen infrastructure and nurture talent.
At its first meeting of the new managing committee held on Sunday at the GCA stadium in Porvorim, members unanimously approved the proposal to construct a new stadium, with Dhargal and Maulinguem identified as possible sites.
Addressing the media after the meeting, GCA President Mahesh Desai said the association was inclined towards Dhargal as the preferred location. “We are committed to giving Goa an international venue, and Dhargal appears to be the most feasible option,” he said.
The meeting, which was the first for the newly elected executive committee, also saw several other key decisions aimed at expanding cricket’s reach across the State. The GCA announced plans to open 20 new training centres, including five dedicated exclusively to girls under the banner ‘Pink Force’.
This initiative, apparently inspired by the recent World Cup triumph of the Indian women's team, is expected to provide structured opportunities for young female cricketers, a segment that has lacked adequate support in the past.
Desai acknowledged that of the 12 centres opened by the previous committee, only three had remained active but added that the association was determined to ensure better continuity and accountability.
To reinforce quality coaching and transparency, the GCA has appointed former Ranji cricketer Pritam Gandhi as coach for the under‑16 boys and Neha Tanwar as coach for the girls’ programme.
Players selected from the centres will be admitted to a special GCA training camp designed to prepare them for higher‑level competitions, including Ranji Trophy cricket. “Our goal is to create a pipeline of talent that can represent Goa at the national stage,” Desai emphasised.
The meeting also addressed concerns over financial discrepancies during the tenure of the previous committee. To investigate these issues, a committee has been formed, chaired by Akbar Mulla, with members Saish Mhambre and Prasad Phatarpekar. Desai clarified that further decisions would be taken once the Mulla-headed committee submits its report.
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Intention to restart GPL
PANAJI: The new committee intends to restart the Goa Premier League (GPL) competition, which was shut for several years. The GCA will be working to ensure that players who play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are available to play in the league, Desai said.