Hockey nursery blooms into new school for cricket in city's people-led movement
Bhopal: Once known as the hockey nursery of India, Bhopal has evolved from these roots into a prominent cricket centre, producing national and international players.
The city currently features two premier cricket league teams and maintains 27 cricket academies across various grounds.
Athletes from Bhopal are now participating in competitions from the Ranji Trophy to the IPL, with new illuminated cricket venues under development and players competing internationally.
The past decade witnessed a significant evolution in Bhopal's sporting facilities. The cricket infrastructure expanded considerably, with contemporary amenities being established throughout the city.
The Old Campion Ground, Ankur Ground, Faith Cricket Ground, and Bab-e-Ali Stadium have emerged as essential venues for local competitions and training.
These facilities regularly host various levels of matches and function as development centres for aspiring cricketers.
Senior cricketers and coaches attribute the emergence of cricket talent to the dedication of those involved in the sport. "If we talk about ground-level cricket, it is running because of the people who are associated with this game. The govt has less role in it, and several players have a big contribution to cricket.
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This is the reason why Bhopal is able to produce great players for the country and the state," says senior coach JP Tyagi.
The cricket academies maintain systematic training regimens, emphasising technical proficiency and physical conditioning. These institutions are led by former Ranji players and qualified coaches, offering professional guidance to young talents. Regular trials and summer programmes are organised to identify promising players.
Senior Coach and former captain of the Madhya Pradesh Ranji team, Brijesh Tomar, acknowledges Bhopal's growing cricket prominence. "Now there are big stadiums equipped with floodlights. Every kind of cricket facility is available in Bhopal. This is the reason why players here are playing well at every level," says Tomar.
The two premier cricket league teams have established a competitive environment for local players.
"What level the competition has reached in Bhopal can be gauged from the fact that there are 12 all-rounders in the Bhopal Leopards team," says Sanjay Pandey of Bhopal Leopards. The team will participate in MPL under captain Arshad Khan this year, with their first match on June 13 against Jabalpur Royal Lions.
Bhopal's cricketers have achieved notable success in professional cricket. The city's participation in the Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy team has grown substantially.
MP secured their inaugural Ranji Trophy under Bhopal's Aditya Shrivastava's leadership. Aniket Verma and Shivam Shukla represent different IPL teams.
Sports promoter Faisal Meer Khan commented on the growing environment for the game in the city, "In the last few years, many academies opened in Bhopal, and these are producing a lot of players. This is a good sign," says Meer. Local players have secured IPL contracts and opportunities to play league cricket internationally, particularly in England and Australia.
The ongoing development of illuminated stadiums will enhance the city's cricket facilities. These venues will accommodate evening matches, benefiting working professionals and students. The stadiums feature modern amenities, including indoor practice facilities, fitness centres, and sports medicine units.
Senior Coach Mohsin highlights Bhopal's cricket potential. "Every academy has so many children in Bhopal that many times they have to refuse them.
That is why players here are playing in every format in the state and outside the state as well," says Mohsin.
The cricket sector has generated substantial employment opportunities in Bhopal. Beyond players, there is increasing demand for coaches, physiotherapists, ground staff, and support personnel. Local sports equipment businesses have experienced growth, contributing to the local economy. The transition from hockey to cricket excellence reflects sustained efforts by cricket associations, governmental support, and enthusiasts' dedication.
"Bhopal has made its own identity in cricket. We have an excellent pool of talent," said sports promoter Aruneshwar Singh Deo.
The city maintains its hockey heritage while supporting cricket's increasing popularity.
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