Odisha: CM Patnaik, Ravi Shastri discuss to build world-class cricket infrastructure in Cuttack

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri recently became the talk of the town after he was spotted holding a talk with the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik. Both figures held a discussion over cricket’s infrastructure development in the coastal state of India.

The discussion with Shastri was held as Patnaik went to attend the “MoU signing” event between 'Coaching Beyond' Cricket Academy and Cuttack-based MGM School of Sports.

The same picture was shared by Patnaik on their official X handle. The CM shared insights from his meeting with Ravi Shastri. He highlighted the importance of developing high-quality academies in the state to better develop the sport.

“Glad to meet ex-cricketer & former head coach of Team India, @RaviShastriOfc, who visited #Odisha to attend the MoU signing event between 'Coaching Beyond' cricket academy and #Cuttack-based MGM School of Sports to establish a high performance cricket academy. We had a very fruitful discussion on development of world class cricket infrastructure in #Odisha. Thanked him for appreciating the state's illustrious sporting ecosystem,” Patnaik tweeted.

Furthermore, in the picture, the state chief can be seen handing Hockey India's jersey to Shastri, as a gesture of Odisha’s commitment to developing each and every sport in the state. Holding the discussion with such an experienced cricket personality like Ravi Shastri.

The MGM School of Sports was inaugurated by the MGM Group. The school is a state-of-the art High-Performance academy near Cuttack and will be aimed at nurturing cricket at the grassroots level.

The academy will be prioritising top-quality training for up to 50 young male cricketers through a subsidised programme, with plans for expansion in women’s cricket as well. Furthermore, the academy will also be offering daily coaching programs for all age groups, which will also help in the development of the sport in Odisha.