Idukki is set to bowl over cricket lovers with the hill district set to get a brand new cricket academy — its first step into the world of professional cricket training.

According to officials, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) on Friday announced that it has decided to create a State Boys’ Cricket Academy in Idukki. In a statement, the KCA stated that the district-level selections for the academy will start in May.

The statement said that the decision, taken during a special general body meeting of KCA in Kochi, is part of the association’s broader goal of fostering the comprehensive development of cricket across the State. The release also said that KCA has decided to implement a range of new projects as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations.

According to sources, the new cricket academy in Idukki will provide new opportunities for players from the district, including tribal students.

New cricket stadium in Kollam

The statement further said that the inauguration of the new cricket stadium in Ezhukone in Kollam will take place in May. The KCA also plans to renovate its existing cricket academies. The association said it will inaugurate the second phase of construction of the Alappuzha SD College ground in July this year.