Punit Balan Launches BCCI-Standard Cricket Academy in Pune to Boost Talent Pipeline
BCCI
Punit Balan Cricket Academy unveiled in Pune, promising BCCI-standard grounds, indoor nets, hostels and training for aspiring cricketers of all genders, aiming to transform cricket infrastructure in the region.
Pune, December 06, 2025 – Pune has received a major boost in cricket infrastructure with the launch of Punit Balan Cricket Academy, described as one of India’s largest private cricket setups built to meet BCCI standards. Initiated by Punit Balan Group, the academy aims to offer modern, professional facilities for training young cricketers and widen opportunities for talent across the region. The initiative has drawn attention from aspiring players, parents and cricket-enthusiasts alike.
According to the academy’s plan, there will be two main grounds — one at Sinhgad College ground in Vadgaon and another near Lonavala. Each ground will feature full-fledged playing fields, indoor practice wickets for use during monsoon and off-season periods, and other support amenities. This infrastructure aims to fill a long-standing gap in Maharashtra, where young talents often had to move to bigger cities for quality coaching and professional facilities.
The academy plans to offer comprehensive training programs that include match simulation, fitness conditioning and all-round development rather than just basic coaching. There will also be hostel accommodations for outstation students, enabling access to cricket education for those beyond Pune. Importantly, the academy aims to be inclusive: separate batches for women cricketers are planned along with subsidised fees for deserving female players, signalling a serious effort towards gender-balanced sports development in the region.
The organisers expect the first batch of admissions to open around January 1, with formal training sessions beginning mid-January. They aim to nurture young cricketers from Pune and surrounding areas, offering them a chance to build a professional path in cricket — potentially reaching state or national levels if they perform consistently.
This academy’s arrival is being hailed as a milestone for sports infrastructure in Pune. Until now, limited access to high-quality grounds and certified coaching was a major hurdle for many talented youngsters. With BCCI-standard facilities, structured programs and inclusive policies, the academy could change the way cricket talent is nurtured locally.
For many families, the availability of hostels and subsidised women’s training makes cricket a more accessible sport. It means aspiring players from smaller towns nearby don’t need to relocate to big metros just to get proper training — an especially important factor for girls and women cricketers.
Given the scale and ambition, Punit Balan Cricket Academy could become a model for privately funded sports infrastructure in India. If executed properly, it may help uncover new talent, reduce urban migration for sports training and balance the talent pipeline across urban and rural areas.
