BCCI Centre of Excellence launches 5-day camps to strengthen long-format cricket amid T20 World Cup 2026

Amidst the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made plans for the team's long-format development. The board has arranged for a special training camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Moreover, only a few targeted players have been asked to attend the training camp in Bengaluru. 

The board has prepared a list in which the players from various areas, considering their performance, the probability of playing for the senior team, and those who have already played for India A, have been included. The five-day camp will be headed by India's legendary bowler Zaheer Khan, who is already present in Bengaluru. 

Apart from him, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh are also involved in the training camp. They will concentrate more on the spin department. This camp is to develop the players for the senior team and to prepare them for the upcoming challenges. 

"Laxman approached Zaheer, Harbhajan and Anil Kumble for specialised camps. Bhajji is trying to work out the dates for four-five day 'Off-spinners' camp'. He is looking forward to help the upcoming prospects who have done well at the age-group and India A level and working with them. This is a welcome initiative where those who have played 100-plus Tests for India are sharing their experiences with Gen-Next," said a BCCI source as quoted by PTI. 

Camp to start before IPL 2026

The board has asked the members to organise the camp before the IPL 2026 window since most of the players are with the franchises. Hence, the 5-day camp could be around mid-March. The list has already been prepared by the board and the players will be approached soon. 

Reports suggest that players like Gurnoor Brar, Simarjeet Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Deep, and Anshul Kamboj are likely to attend the camp under Zaheer Khan. The entire focus of the camp is around the red ball since Indian players struggle a lot in foreign conditions, especially in Tests. The bowlers are hit for boundaries and sixes in England and Australia, and to tackle that, the camp is being held.