Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa is set for a major cricketing season, with the state scheduled to host three Ranji Trophy matches and the IPL Auction in December, alongside several age group fixtures.
The Goa Cricket Association is carrying out extensive infrastructure upgrades at its venues to prepare for the upcoming schedule. The Sanguem ground has received a major facelift and will host three Under 23 and two Under 19 matches.
The facility now has upgraded practice pitches, floodlights, pipelines, improved road connectivity, a generator, LED screen and audio visual facilities. The damaged compound wall has also been repaired.
Three Ranji Trophy matches will be played at the Panaji Gymkhana ground, with preparations already underway. The hosting of the IPL Auction in Goa in December will add another major cricket event to the state’s calendar.
The Porvorim ground is also undergoing comprehensive renovation and is expected to be ready by December. Work includes new floodlights, a generator and an upgraded gym with improved equipment and technology. A shed has been constructed to protect ground machinery from the weather.
Additional safety measures have been introduced at Porvorim, including taller nets and barricades to prevent balls from reaching the adjoining road. The sight screens have also been extended.
At Chicalim, a new centre wicket has been prepared for teams using the facility for practice, while five new pitches have strengthened the venue’s net session facilities.
Goa’s Under 19 teams are also preparing for their respective campaigns. The boys will travel to Chandigarh for one day matches, while the girls will head to Bengaluru for T20 fixtures. A total of 15 players have been selected in each squad, with additional players kept in reserve.
