Panaji: September 16, 2026, marked one year since the Managing Committee of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) took charge, completing its first year in office with a focus on strengthening the cricketing ecosystem across the state.
Led by President and former Ranji Trophy player Mahesh Dessai, the Managing Committee comprises Vice President Paresh Fadte, Secretary Tulshidas Shetye, Joint Secretary Anant Naik, Treasurer Sayed Abdul Majid and Member Mahesh Behki.
Over the past year, the committee has worked across several areas of Goa cricket, with particular emphasis on grassroots development, talent identification, infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for young cricketers.
Focus on Grassroots and Emerging Talent
Grassroots cricket has remained a key priority for the Association, with talent hunts being conducted to identify and nurture emerging players.
The GCA has also taken steps to encourage greater participation of girls in cricket through the introduction of Pink Centres, providing young girls with dedicated opportunities to take up the sport and develop their cricketing skills.
Strengthening Cricket Infrastructure
Infrastructure development has been another important area of focus during the first year.
Floodlights have been installed at the Porvorim and Sanguem grounds, enhancing the facilities available to players while creating greater scope for matches and training sessions.
The infrastructure initiatives are part of the Association’s broader focus on creating better facilities and opportunities for cricketers across the state.
Investing in the People Behind the Game
Alongside player development and infrastructure, the GCA has also focused on strengthening the people working behind the sport.
Seminars, workshops and knowledge-sharing programmes have been conducted for various departments, with the aim of improving skills, awareness and professionalism across Goa’s cricketing ecosystem.
‘This Is Only the Beginning’
Speaking on the completion of one year, GCA President and former Ranji player Mahesh Dessai said:
“The last one year has been about laying a stronger foundation for the future of Goa cricket. Our focus has been to create opportunities at every level — from the grassroots and talent identification to women’s cricket, infrastructure and development of the people working behind the game. We are conscious that there is still a lot of work to be done, but I am proud of the collective efforts of the Managing Committee, coaches, staff, players and everyone associated with Goa cricket. This is only the beginning, and we remain committed to building a stronger and more inclusive cricketing ecosystem in Goa.”
The first year has laid the groundwork for the Association’s larger vision of developing cricket across the state. With continued emphasis on talent development, infrastructure, knowledge sharing and wider participation, the GCA aims to provide more opportunities for cricketers and strengthen the pathway for the next generation.
One year marks only the beginning of the Association’s current journey, with the work continuing towards creating more opportunities, strengthening the cricketing ecosystem and building a stronger future for Goa cricket.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
