Goa Pushes Major Overhaul in Women’s Cricket, Eyes New Stadium in Three Years

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Women’s cricket in Goa is set to enter a transformative phase as the Goa Cricket Association announces several key decisions aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the sport across the state. Following the Annual General Body meeting in Porvorim, GCA President Mahesh Dessai shared a detailed roadmap outlining the Association’s renewed focus on grassroots development, infrastructure creation, and a more strategic approach to talent nurturing. One of the most significant steps is the launch of five exclusive training centres dedicated entirely to girls. Dessai highlighted how the number of functional centres had previously dropped, but the Association has now revived 20 centres across the Under-16 and Under-14 categories, with the new Pink Centres designed specifically to encourage girls to take up cricket in larger numbers. National-level player Neha Tanwar has been brought on board to mentor and guide the programme, ensuring high-quality support for upcoming talent.

The GCA also stressed the importance of competitive exposure, announcing plans for intra-centre tournaments that will serve as the basis for state-team selection in the junior categories. Alongside the development of women’s cricket, the Association is once again turning its focus to the long-delayed dream of a dedicated cricket stadium for Goa. Dessai reaffirmed the commitment to begin work within the next three years, noting that the government has expressed full support. While Dhargal remains the preferred location due to its proximity to the Mopa airport and accessible infrastructure, alternative suggestions like Mauliguem are also being assessed. Permissions for construction are being renewed, and steps such as the removal of high-tension wires at the site have already been initiated.

In an effort to elevate the overall standard of cricket in the state, the GCA has hired seasoned cricketer Pritam Gandhe to coach the Under-16 team, and has revamped its selection committees by appointing former Ranji players at both senior and junior levels. Dessai emphasized that club support is strong, administrative harmony has improved, and that the Ranji team’s promising performance is partly due to a strict no-interference policy, with coaches given full freedom in their choices. Financial transparency also remains a priority, with expert consultants and ex-cricketers guiding the Association’s decisions. Another major announcement is the return of the Goa Premier League after nearly nine years, signalling the GCA’s intent to create more competitive platforms for local players. With renewed energy, structural changes, and a clear vision, the GCA is driving Goa cricket toward a more stable, inclusive, and ambitious future.