Kamareddy cricket training hub planned at Indira Gandhi Stadium, says Shabbir Ali
Hyderabad: Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir announced plans on Monday to develop a Kamareddy cricket training hub at Indira Gandhi Stadium. The proposed facilities include professional coaching, three practice nets, a quality cricket pitch and opportunities to host Under-19 matches.
The initiative aims to identify young cricketers from Kamareddy and help them progress to State and national-level competitions. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) will support the development of cricket infrastructure and training facilities at the stadium.
Shabbir Ali reviews Kamareddy cricket training hub plans
Shabbir, Advisor to the Telangana Government for SC, ST, OBC and Minorities, inspected Indira Gandhi Stadium on October 26. HCA Secretary Jeevan Reddy and Chief Executive Officer Imtiaz Khan accompanied him during the inspection.
The officials examined existing infrastructure and discussed requirements for cricket coaching, pitch construction, practice nets and training equipment. Shabbir said Kamareddy had considerable cricket talent, but many young players lacked access to professional coaching and modern facilities.
He stressed that financial difficulties should not prevent talented students from receiving quality cricket training. Accordingly, the proposed facilities would allow local youngsters to develop their skills without depending entirely on training centres in larger cities.
Shabbir said the initiative would particularly benefit players from rural and urban areas who lacked suitable training opportunities. The Hyderabad Cricket Association will help improve cricket facilities at Indira Gandhi Stadium in phases.
Initially, the association plans to appoint private cricket coaches and install three practice nets. It will also supply the equipment needed for regular training sessions.
HCA Secretary Jeevan Reddy said the association was taking steps to appoint coaches within a week, following Shabbir’s suggestions. The proposed Kamareddy cricket training hub would provide structured coaching and regular practice opportunities for aspiring cricketers.
Jeevan Reddy also confirmed plans to install three practice nets and provide essential cricket equipment. These facilities would allow young players to undergo regular training under qualified supervision.
Quality cricket pitch and Under-19 matches proposed
Shabbir said efforts would be made to construct a quality cricket pitch at the stadium. The proposed development would also include coaching programmes and competitive matches under HCA supervision.
In particular, the association would explore arrangements for conducting Under-19 cricket matches in Kamareddy. Jeevan Reddy said the HCA would discuss the proposed cricket pitch at its forthcoming meeting.
Additionally, the association would examine whether it could take the stadium under its supervision for management and cricket-related activities. He said efforts would be made to develop the infrastructure required to organise Under-19 matches.
Competitive cricket would provide local players with match experience and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, Shabbir said. Shabbir said sports played an important role in developing discipline, determination, punctuality and teamwork among young people.
He encouraged students to pursue sporting excellence alongside their academic education. According to him, talented youngsters from smaller towns and villages often struggled to progress because suitable coaching platforms were unavailable.
Therefore, he called for stronger coordination between government departments and sporting organisations to improve access to training facilities. He said the Telangana government was prioritising sports infrastructure and would continue supporting initiatives that created opportunities for young athletes.
The proposed Kamareddy cricket training hub was intended to address the shortage of local training facilities and help promising players pursue competitive cricket. Shabbir said Indira Gandhi Stadium should eventually develop beyond a conventional playing ground.
He wanted the facility to become a dedicated training centre capable of producing cricketers who could represent Kamareddy at higher competitive levels. Meanwhile, HCA officials said the proposed coaching arrangements, practice facilities and competitive matches would help young players gain structured training and wider exposure.