KCA to unveil ₹50 crore sports infrastructure project at Alappuzha SD College

Alappuzha: The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is set to develop international standard sports infrastructure at the Sanatana Dharma (SD) College in Alappuzha, with an investment of ₹50 crore. Paving the way for the project, the KCA and the Sanatana Dharma Vidyasala management have signed a 33-year leave-and-license agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally exchanged between KCA Secretary Vinod S Kumar and SD Vidyasala President R Krishnan during a ceremony chaired by KCA President Adv. Sreejith V Nair at the Rangamani & Company office complex in Alappuzha. The association between the two institutions dates back to 2009, when their maiden agreement led to the development of a dedicated cricket ground on the campus. Following the conclusion of that 15-year term in 2024, the management resolved to extend the lease by another 33 years to build upon their successful sporting collaboration.

Spread across 11 acres, incorporating the college's old canteen grounds, the development will be executed according to an ambitious master plan. The existing facility, which already features a state-of-the-art floodlight system installed at a cost of ₹13 crore, will be upgraded with modern player and match official pavilions, broadcasting infrastructure, an indoor training centre, a gymnasium, 15 outdoor practice nets, an administrative block, and staff quarters.

To foster disciplines beyond cricket, the KCA will also construct an athletic track, a mini cricket ground, a futsal court, a full-sized football pitch, a basketball court, and a modern canteen for the college. Under the terms of the agreement, the KCA will have joint access to these multi-sport facilities and will assume full responsibility for their upkeep, maintenance, and security, including round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.

Calling the long-term pact a decisive turning point for sports in the region, KCA president Sreejith Nair said that once completed, the SD College grounds would stand out as one of the state's finest multi-sport destinations. Secretary Vinod added that the primary objective was to fast-track the indoor nets and pavilion complexes, offering Kerala’s up-and-coming talent a world-class training ground.

The event was attended by SD College Manager P Krishnakumar, SDV Secretary N Neelakantan, Alappuzha District Cricket Association President U Manoj, and Secretary PJ Navas.