Navi Mumbai: An international-standard Cricket Training Center was inaugurated by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) at New Panvel. The facility, developed at a cost of Rs 14.55 crore, promises to nurture young cricketing talent under the mentorship of former Indian cricket captain and Padma shri awardee Dilip Vengsarkar.
Built over 7.5 acres, the center features a 150-meter diameter cricket ground, a modern pavilion, and state-of-the-art amenities. The academy will offer free training to 101 students annually, aged 10 to 19. Of these, 50% of seats are reserved for students from the Panvel Municipal area, 25% for those from the rest of Raigad district, and 25% for candidates from other regions.
Dilip Vengsarkar Appointed Head as Panvel’s First International Cricket Training Center Gets Inaugurated
CIDCO JMD Ganesh Deshmukh described the center as a prestigious addition to Panvel’s sporting infrastructure. “This training facility enhances the city’s reputation. Its success will be reflected when its players break into the national team,” he stated.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by State Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar, “After inspecting the cricket training center, I can confidently say that the facilities are top-notch. Appointing Dilip Vengsarkar, a true connoisseur of cricketing talent, as the head is a brilliant decision,” Shelar said. He assured that the state would support the Corporation’s vision to provide deserving players with meaningful opportunities.
The event also saw presence of MP Shrirang Barne, MLAs Prashant Thakur, Vikrant Patil, and Mahesh Baldi, CIDCO Joint Managing Director Ganesh Deshmukh, PMC Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale, Additional Commissioner Ganesh Shete, and several notable figures from the political and cricketing communities.
MP Shrirang Barne expressed optimism about the future of cricket in the region. “Under the guidance of an expert like Vengsarkar, top-tier players will surely emerge from this center,” he said.
Vengsarkar expressed confidence in the region’s potential. “There is tremendous cricketing talent in Panvel. This center will serve as a powerful platform, and I believe we will soon see players from here donning the Indian jersey,” he remarked.
