Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: he Goa Cricket Association inaugurated newly installed floodlights at its ground in Porvorim on Friday, marking a major step in upgrading cricket infrastructure in the state. The lighting system has been installed at a cost of ₹4 crore and is designed to meet international standards required for modern cricket matches.
The floodlights are capable of producing illumination levels of 2,500 lux, making the ground suitable for high quality match telecasts and night training sessions. The installation will allow players to practise during evening hours and gain experience playing under lights, a key aspect of contemporary cricket formats.
Officials said the facility meets the standards required for top level competitions, including Indian Premier League matches. The improved lighting will also help players prepare for international and domestic tournaments where day night fixtures have become increasingly common.
The installation is part of the association’s broader plan to strengthen cricket development in Goa. As part of this initiative, the association has already established 20 cricket centres across the state to nurture young talent and provide a structured training platform for aspiring players.
The association is also working on additional infrastructure upgrades to support athlete development. Plans are underway to set up a state of the art physiotherapy centre along with a modern gymnasium to provide players with better fitness and recovery facilities.
Officials noted that significant progress has been made in infrastructure development since the current managing committee assumed office. While earlier efforts helped establish the groundwork for development, the present committee has focused on expanding and improving existing facilities to support the growth of cricket in the state.
Concerns were also raised about reduced cricket activity during the monsoon season in Goa, which often limits match opportunities for players. To address this challenge, the association plans to send young cricketers to other states during the off season so they can gain more competitive exposure and increase their number of matches each year.
The evening also featured a special performance by Bollywood singer Shabir Kumar, who rendered the national anthem ahead of an exhibition match between the President’s XI and Secretary’s XI. Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai and Secretary Tulshidas Shetye were present at the event.
