LUCKNOW, April 7 -- In a bid to nurture the state's cricket talent better, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association is planning to set up its own Centre of Excellence in Unnao, modelled on the high performance centre of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) in Bengaluru. The proposed centre is expected to give UP cricketers access to world-class training, and recovery and performance analysis infrastructure. "We have already begun the process for establishing the CoE as the lease for UPCA's academy at Kamla Club in Kanpur has already expired. We acquired land for the CoE almost 15 years ago," UPCA secretary, Prem Manohar Gupta, said. The new project comes as cricket infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh is being expanded. UPCA has identified 33 hectares at Unnao's Murtaza Nagar for the CoE. The Unnao project could become a hub for grooming emerging cricketers, especially from districts that have traditionally lacked access to elite facilities. It is expected to have top-level practice surfaces, fitness and recovery systems, and spaces designed for senior and junior players. The facility would not only support Ranji Trophy and age-group preparation but also help identify and refine talent at an earlier stage. "Once we have it in the near future, we will have round-the-year training of our teams, including women. That will help Uttar Pradesh grow in the right manner," Gupta said. "The construction work at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium is also due to start in a few months. It will be unavailable for cricket activities for not less than two years." Gupta did not provide the cost estimate for constructing the CoE, but said there would be no dearth of funds. "UPCA's first cricket stadium in Varanasi is also set to start functioning in June-July, the finishing work is going on. We hope to conduct at least one international match at our new venue this year," he said. Announced as part of Uttar Pradesh's ambitious sports infrastructure push, the international cricket stadium in Varanasi's outskirts will have a capacity of around 30,000--15,000 lower-tier seats, 10,000 mid-tier and 5,000 premium skyboxes with hospitality lounges. The stadium will feature a fan-friendly design with tiered seating. Lower tiers will house family enclosures-dedicated blocks with shaded seating, creche facilities, and priority access for women and children. State-of-the-art floodlights, hybrid pitches for seamless Test-to-T20 transitions, and solar-powered roofing underscore sustainability, while rainwater harvesting is a nod to Varanasi's eco-conscious ethos. It is seen as a major infrastructure boost in eastern Uttar Pradesh's cricket map. If all goes well, the new stadium in Varanasi could become the second home ground of Lucknow Super Giants....