Kolkata likely venue for NCA zonal branch

Brijesh Patel and Polly Umrigar on Thursday visited the Eden Gardens to examine for themselves whether a zonal branch of the National Cricket Academy could be launched in Kolkata. Both of them spent a couple of hours inspecting the facilities at the venue. They visited the multi-gym, the indoor coaching centre and other areas surrounding the stadium where pitches can be laid for the Academy. Both of them expressed satisfaction at the available facilities. But both refused to say whether a branch of the Academy will finally be launched in the city.

However, the joint secretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal, Nirmal Mukherjee said that both Patel and Umrigar had more or less certified that a branch of the NCA will start in Kolkata. "We have had a long discussion and at the end of it, I can only say that in principle both of them have agreed that Kolkata is an ideal place."

Mukherjee also stated that the Academy will be only for cricketers from the East zone. On the coaches to be appointed, Mukherjee said, "The NCA will be holding an exam in Bangalore from February 19 to 21. A few from the selected coaches will be in all probability be deputed to the academy in Kolkata."

Meanwhile, the former joint secretary of the CAB, Prabir Mukherjee has been given the responsibility of preparing the pitch at the Eden Gardens for the second Test match against Australia, to be conducted from March 11. Mukherjee had been in charge of preparing the pitches in the last three Tests played at the Eden Gardens. They were against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. While India lost against South Africa and Pakistan, they defeated Australia. However, after the inaugural match of the Asian Test Championship against Pakistan, Mukherjee had dropped out following a rift with some CAB officials.

Talking about the preparation of the wicket on Thursday, Mukherjee stated in no uncertain terms that he will not provide an underprepared pitch. "Definitely I will provide one which will help the home side. The pitch will be of international standard. However, it will help our bowlers more than the Australians."