VVS Laxman extends contract will continue to head the National Cricket Academy

Former India cricketer, VVS Laxman, will continue to head the National Cricket Academy for an extended period of at least a year. His initial contract was supposed to conclude in September 2024. His extension came ahead of the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art NCA campus.

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VVS Laxman to remain as the head of NCA

There were reports that VVS Laxman was pursued by an IPL franchise to take over the head coach position. However, the development of him decision to remain in charge of the NCA will keep him away from the IPL picture, as being bound by the NCA contract means he cannot take up any other job. Laxman's contract extension comes just before the opening of the new, state-of-the-art NCA campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The groundwork for this facility was laid in January 2022, 14 years after the Karnataka government granted the land on a 99-year lease.

The NCA, now nearing completion, is set to feature at least 100 pitches, indoor facilities with 45 pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehab center, accommodation, Olympic-sized pools, and various other amenities. It is expected to be operational by early next year. During his initial three-year term at the NCA, Laxman continued the work initiated by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, focusing on injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programs, and planning for senior teams, age-group teams, and women's cricket.

A key challenge for Laxman is reviving the India A tour program, which has seen inconsistent scheduling over the past two years, unlike the more frequent tours under Dravid’s tenure.