Ganguly's state-of-the-art academy launched

Sourav Ganguly's academy in Kolkata will try to churn out world class cricketers © Getty Images

Sourav Ganguly's state-of-the-art cricket academy was inaugurated by Buddhadev Bhattacharya, the chief minister of West Bengal, on Wednesday evening in a high-profile launch in Salt Lake in Kolkata.

The website webindia123.com reported that Bhattacharya urged Ganguly to take time out to offer hands-on help to the youngsters in the nuances of the game. "You are no doubt the captain of India, but you are a citizen of Kolkata. You have to take some responsibility out of your busy schedule. You are moving all over the world, running the team. I know your responsibility, but you have to give inputs, some thought, some concepts on how to work along on this cricket school." Ganguly responded favourably, saying, "Whenever I am free I will try to help these boys".

Christened `The Videocon school of cricket', the academy has been established at a cost of one crore and has come up on a five-acre plot of land provided by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and will initially take in 700 students. It has different types of clay pitches, bowling machines to simulate fast bowling and 12 nets of international standards to provide enough practice space for 300 students simultaneously.

It is also equipped with an ultra-modern gym, library and classrooms for theoretical and video analysis. There are also experienced coaches and guides to provide psychological counselling.

Bhattacharya, an ardent cricket fan, said, "When Videocon group chairman VN Dhoot came forward to set up a cricket school I was surprised and encouraged. We want cricket to become more popular. We want more players from the state to make it to the highest level. But one fine morning one cannot become a cricketer. For that a youngster needs good training and practice facilities. I know that because I wanted to become a cricketer but could not."

Expressindia.com, citing sources in the Indian board, claimed that when the national team visits Kolkata in late November for a one-dayer against South Africa they will practice at the new academy.