The Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC), which has produced several international and national stars over the years, is set for a new beginning. The academy’s sprawling new campus, at RBANMS Ground, was inaugurated with much fanfare on Sunday.
The facility boasts indoor nets, 32 outdoor nets, fielding practice areas, consultation rooms, a gymnasium, and more. A host of cricketers who have honed their skills at KIOC, including Indian women’s team skipper Mithali Raj, Veda Krishnamurthy, Robin Uthappa, C.M. Gautam, Nooshin Al Khadeer, Karuna Jain, and V.R. Vanitha, graced the event. Karnataka State Cricket Association assistant secretary (Cricket) Santosh Menon was also present.
“Irfan Sait (KIOC director) has always been a big supporter of women’s cricket. Whenever I’m in Bengaluru, I train here,” Mithali said.
The former India women’s international Mamatha Maben said, “When I started playing cricket, I attended a different academy. But I got to bat only once a week, and that too only after the boys finished practice. I then decided to move to KIOC, where I was welcomed. My career took off after that.”
India all-rounder Veda credited the academy for her success.
Uthappa addressed the large audience of eager children. “I want all of you to make best use of this facility. Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t ever get discouraged by people who doubt your ambitions,” he said.
