International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah has arrived at Bagdogra Airport ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming programme and has departed for Sikkim. He is accompanied by officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the visit, during which the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate an Indoor Cricket Academy.
Upon arrival in Bagdogra, the delegation led by Jay Shah was received by liaison officers, Cricket Association President Tika Subba, Chairman of the Construction Committee K.C. Sharma, and officials from the Home Department. The delegation then proceeded towards Sikkim to attend the inauguration programme.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) hosted BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia for an inspection of the newly constructed Indoor Cricket Academy at Sikkim Cricket Ground. The inspection was conducted in preparation for the virtual inauguration to be carried out by the Prime Minister from Gangtok on April 28, 2026.
The inspection team also included Mamom Majumdar and Hemang Amin. Officials of SICA welcomed the delegation. Following the inspection, Saikia expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure, stating that such facilities are crucial in the North-East region, where prolonged monsoon conditions require year-round training infrastructure.
Built at an approximate cost of ₹23 crore, the academy includes modern practice pitches, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and other advanced player amenities. The project is part of BCCI’s broader initiative to strengthen cricket infrastructure across the North-East, with its foundation laid in 2024 by then BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
The inauguration of the academy by the Prime Minister is expected to be attended by senior officials from both ICC and BCCI.
