Archan Mehta
San Jose, CA
The Blazers Cricket Academy (BCA) recently celebrated its first anniversary, highlighting a year of remarkable growth and success in Bay Area cricket. Starting small in 2023, BCA has quickly become a key player in the local cricket scene, achieving significant milestones and setting ambitious goals for the future of Blazers Cricket Academy.
BCA began with just 17 players and three part-time coaches. In one year, it grew to an impressive 287 registered players and 18 coaches. This growth was matched by a major expansion in facilities. What started as one practice location and one ground now includes seven practice locations and three grounds across the Bay Area, giving players more opportunities to practice and compete.
The academy’s success is also due to its focus on high-quality facilities. BCA now offers two turf nets, ten AstroTurf nets, two turf center wickets, and three AstroTurf center wickets. Partnerships with facilities like Gomes Cricket Nets, MSJE Cricket Nets, Fallon Park Elite Indoor Cricket, and Hattrick Sports ensure players have access to excellent training environments.
Coaching and player development are top priorities for BCA. With a strong coach-to-player ratio, their program focuses on skill development, strength and conditioning, and well-organized coaching plans through SportsPlus. Over the past year, BCA has held more than 200 practice matches and nearly 335 games, with coaches present at every match to guide players.
BCA has also made women’s cricket a central focus. Their efforts have increased participation, with highlights such as hosting the Bay Area Open, which drew 150 women players. The academy’s women’s teams celebrated major victories, including winning the San Diego Open and the U15 Women Coach Copeland Series Test Match, setting new standards for women’s cricket in the region.
BCA’s achievements extend across all age groups. The U11 teams performed well at the 2024 USA Hub, while the U13 group became Bay Area champions. The U15 category gained national recognition, with three players reaching the national level and one being named MVP. At the U17/19 level, over ten players represented the Bay Area, and three were selected for the USA U19 squad, showcasing BCA’s ability to develop top talent.
Looking ahead to 2025, BCA aims to continue its growth with exciting plans. These include introducing a uniform coaching curriculum, building two more turf pitches, and establishing a high-performance center. They also want to strengthen pathways for players to transition into local clubs, minor leagues, and major leagues, ensuring a clear path for those pursuing cricket at higher levels.
Collaboration has been key to BCA’s success. Partnerships with parents, sponsors, coaching staff, and organizations like XLNC Realty and Mission for Sports (M4S) have played a vital role in improving facilities and promoting youth cricket. This teamwork has created a supportive cricketing community that benefits players and the sport.
In just one year, Biju Nair, the founder and CEO of Blazers Cricket Academy indicated that BCA has made a significant impact on Bay Area cricket. BCA’s dedication to player development, world-class facilities, and community engagement sets them apart. With their ambitious plans for the future, BCA is on track to take cricket in the region to even greater heights, building a strong legacy as a hub for talent and innovation.
