The Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) manages all the cricket activities in Vidarbha, and also collaborates with the BCCI to boost the sport in the area.
It has built a lively cricket ecosystem over the years, including grassroots tournaments and major domestic matches.
These events fuel local passion and talent to reach higher levels. The efforts of the association have seen much success, which is evident in its Ranji Trophy wins and the iconic VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
Thanks to a clear vision and strong programs, Vidarbha has become one of India’s most exciting hubs for emerging cricketers.
In this article, we will explore how the association operates, the journey, and its impact on Indian cricket.
Vidarbha Cricket Association: Legacy & Historical Overview
The Vidarbha Cricket Association began its journey in 1934 and was set up in Nagpur to oversee cricket in the region, developing independently alongside other state bodies like the Mumbai Cricket Association.
The association made several changes as the political landscape in the region shifted.
In 1948, the C.P. & Berar Cricket Association managed the state. Later, it transitioned to the Madhya Bharat Cricket Association.
The final change happened in 1957, as the founders formed the Vidarbha Cricket Association that we know today.
Key Milestones and Achievements
The V.C.A.’s illustrious success garnered tremendous national exposure for Vidarbha Cricket. With great leadership, the association embarked on many terrific achievements.
If we consider essential achievements, we have to take into account that in 1983, N.K.P. Salve helped India win the ICC World Cup for the first time, and in 2011, S.V. Manohar was involved when India won it for the second time.
Vidarbha went on to win the Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup, and nobody can argue that they were worthy contenders to all other teams in domestic cricket in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The V.C.A. has experienced unprecedented interest in talented youth and has seen great performance from their underage competitions.
Under-16 Vidarbha teams have won trophies including the Vijay Merchant Trophy, Cooch Behar Trophy, Vinoo Mankad Trophy, and Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy.
These winning performances reflect V.C.A.’s ability to bridge players through their system from age-based cricket and into competitive national cricket.
VCA Office Bearers & Governance (2025)
Here’s a look at the key office bearers leading VCA’s administration and driving its cricketing initiatives in 2025.
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Justice Vinay M. Deshpande (Former Bombay HC Judge) |
| Secretary | Mr. Sanjay Badkas |
| Vice President | Dr. Avinash Deshmukh |
| Treasurer | CA Arjun Phatak |
Justice Vinay M. Deshpande, the current president and former Bombay High Court Judge, brings judicial expertise and administrative acumen to VCA’s governance.
His leadership focuses on clear decision-making, building infrastructure, and upholding top cricket standards. He also ensures compliance with BCCI rules under the BCCI Chairman, promoting sustainable growth.
Past Presidents of VCA (1951-Current)
The association has been guided by distinguished leaders who have shaped its trajectory:
- 1951-62: Shri I S Nanjiani
- 1964-67: Shri Jamnadas Daga
- 1971-79: Shri N K P Salve
- 1979-84: Shri D S Panditji
- 1984-90: Shri V R Manohar
- 1990-97: Shri P R Mundle
- 1997-99 & 2001-09: Shri S V Manohar
- 1999-01: Shri G K Kelkar
- 2009-11: Shri S D Dabir
- 2011-16: Shri P R Dixit
- 2016-21: Shri Anand Jaiswal
- 2021-22: Shri Adwait Manohar
VCA Operated Major Tournaments & Leagues
Let’s break down the major tournaments and leagues VCA organises across different categories and levels.
| Category | Example Tournaments |
|---|---|
| Senior Men’s | Vidarbha Premier League (VPL), Division Leagues |
| Women’s Cricket | VCA Women’s Tournaments |
| Age-Group | U-14, U-16, U-19, U-23 District Level Leagues |
| District Level | Inter-District Tournaments |
VCA’s meticulously structured league system serves as a comprehensive pathway for talented cricketers to progress from district-level competitions to state and national selections.
These tournaments provide consistent competitive exposure, enabling players to develop skills, gain experience, and showcase their abilities to selectors and scouts across multiple levels of cricket.
VCA League Structure & Club Membership
The Vidarbha Cricket Association has a detailed framework consisting of over 120 registered clubs located in Nagpur and various district centres.
The multi-tiered league system ensures that players regularly compete through district league matches annually and inter-club tournaments throughout the cricket season.
The systematic approach to scouting talent through district and city circuits has been incredibly successful at identifying talented cricketers at the grassroots.
The players involved in this framework regularly progress through levels of competition, leading to state and national exposure, through continual performance and development of skills.
VCA’s District Cricket Network
VCA spreads across all eleven districts of Vidarbha and is firmly anchored in grassroots development.
It maintains close contact in every district through specialised training camps, stadium development, and tournaments for structured competitions.
With frequent talent identification camps, systematic trials and a lot of feeding programmes to support cricketers from distant areas, VCA aims to give promising cricketers an opportunity to develop their potential.
Coordination of a district-level coaching centre provides critical technical training and competition experience with a view to cricket development across the Vidarbha region.
Key Venues & Facilities of VCA
Here’s a quick look at the key venues and facilities under VCA that support both domestic and international cricket.
- VCA Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur — Premier Test and International venue with world-class facilities
- VCA Old Stadium, Civil Lines, Nagpur — Administrative headquarters and academy training centre
- District Grounds — Specialised venues for inter-district matches and talent development camps
- Practice Facilities — State-of-the-art practice pitches and comprehensive academy infrastructure
VCA’s exceptional infrastructure development has significantly elevated regional cricket standards, providing players with international-quality training facilities and competitive venues.
These world-class amenities attract top-level tournaments, enhance player development opportunities, and establish Vidarbha as a premier cricketing destination within India’s domestic circuit.
With top-tier infrastructure and a growing reputation, VCA venues are also well-positioned to potentially host some of the upcoming sporting events in India, boosting sports tourism and regional visibility
Vidarbha Premier League (VPL): Overview
The Vidarbha Premier League is the flagship T20 Franchise tournament of the VCA and is focused on developing and giving exposure to local talent, including players from districts.
The tournament will be played at the iconic Jamtha venue and some selected grounds.
VPL is a very important platform for young cricketers to exhibit their talents to the right audience.
The new tournament model will give experience to players, scouts, IPL franchises, and state selectors and directly allow players to progress to higher-level domestic competitions.
The success of the VPL has given it a reputation as the first step for the ambitious cricketer to make it into professional cricket in India.
How to Join or Register with VCA?
Aspiring cricketers can access VCA opportunities through local clubs and district associations, where they register for competitions.
The association communicates player trial dates through its website, maintaining transparency on the selection process and eligibility requirements.
Open trials are held for age-group and senior-level selection camps, creating opportunities for talented cricketers, regardless of background.
VCA-approved coaching centres and academies also provide structured pathways that are supportive of their development and competitive readiness.
Player Eligibility Policy at VCA
VCA maintains comprehensive eligibility criteria for representing the association in BCCI competitions, established through official approval in 2005.
These requirements encompass residency conditions, educational qualifications, and mandatory tournament participation standards to ensure player commitment and regional representation.
The policy includes specific guidelines regarding non-Vidarbha players, age restrictions, and documentation requirements.
Compliance with these regulations ensures fair selection processes and maintains the integrity of regional representation in domestic cricket competitions.
VCA’s Contribution to Indian Cricket
VCA’s systematic development approach has produced exceptional cricketers who have represented India at international levels:
- Umesh Yadav — Fast bowler with extensive international experience
- Faiz Fazal — An Accomplished opening batsman and former captain
- Akshay Wakhare — Skilled spin bowler with domestic success
- Jitesh Sharma — A Dynamic wicket-keeper batsman
- Wasim Jaffer — Legendary batsman with a record-breaking domestic career
VCA’s comprehensive development system combines structured coaching, competitive exposure, and modern infrastructure.
This approach has created cricketers who shine in national and international play. They greatly enhance the depth and quality of Indian cricket.
How to Stay Updated with VCA
If you want to keep up with the latest news from VCA or wish to contact us further, here’s how you can stay connected.
Phone Numbers: +91-712 254 1908, +91-712 252 7467
Fax: +91-712 252 4006
Email: admin@vca.co.in
Official Website: www.vca.co.in
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Registered Office Address: 1st Floor, CM Pavilion, Rabindranath Tagore Marg, Civil Lines, Nagpur 440 001, Maharashtra
Regular updates include press releases, news announcements, match reports, VPL coverage, and district tournament results.
These channels provide essential information about trials, tournaments, and opportunities for cricket development within the Vidarbha region.
Conclusion: Formed in 1934 in Nagpur, the Vidarbha Cricket Association grew into a top cricket body, winning Ranji titles!
The Vidarbha Cricket Association shows strong regional cricket governance. It blends grassroots programs with top-notch infrastructure.
The association supports young talent in remote areas. It also hosts international matches at VCA Stadium. This role is key to cricket’s growth in Vidarbha.
The VCA in Vidarbha demonstrates strong cricket management. This comes from visionary leadership, successful leagues like VPL, and continued Ranji Trophy victories.
If you’re a hopeful cricketer or a devoted fan, VCA provides chances and inspiration in India’s vibrant cricket world.
FAQs
VCA is the governing body managing cricket activities in Vidarbha, affiliated with the BCCI since the 1930s.
VCA’s registered office is in Nagpur at CM Pavilion, Rabindranath Tagore Marg, Civil Lines.
Notable players include Umesh Yadav, Faiz Fazal, Jitesh Sharma, and domestic stalwart Akshay Wakhare.
Vidarbha won the Ranji Trophy in 2017-18 and 2018-19, plus several youth-level national trophies.
Players must have played three consecutive years in Vidarbha clubs and meet BCCI residency criteria.
