Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Cricket Association on Wednesday inaugurated six new cricket pitches at the Chicalim Ground, strengthening cricket infrastructure in the Vasco region and providing a major boost for aspiring cricketers. The newly developed facilities include five turf pitches and one concrete pitch, built at an estimated cost of around Rs 35 lakh.
Speaking after the inauguration, GCA President Mahesh Dessai said the Chicalim venue now has the highest number of practice pitches at a single location in Goa. He noted that the association was prioritising Vasco due to the consistent emergence of talented cricketers from the region.
According to Dessai, the association has focused on creating maximum practice opportunities for young players in Vasco, adding that plans are also underway to operationalise a Pink Centre in the area soon. Coaches have already been appointed for the centre, while senior coaches are expected to mentor upcoming players from Vasco.
Dessai further stressed the need for an international standard cricket stadium in Goa, calling it a necessity for the state’s growing sporting ambitions. He expressed confidence that the proposed stadium project would move forward soon with support from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
He said sufficient land was already available for the project and only a few permissions remained pending. Dessai added that Goa could witness development work on the new stadium within the next six months.
Another member of the Goa Cricket Association said the Chicalim pitches were constructed using high quality materials and equipped with all necessary facilities. The member also revealed that the Pink Centre project had initially faced delays because some pitches were not ready earlier, but it is now expected to start shortly.
The association currently operates around 23 cricket centres across Goa, with Chicalim being one of the important centres. Plans are also in place to introduce inter-centre tournaments between North Goa and South Goa from next year, with special focus on identifying talented Under 14 and Under 16 players for future selections.
