Best Cricket Academies in Pune 2026 (With Fees and Details)
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Pune has earned its place as Maharashtra's second most important cricket city, and its credentials are growing stronger with each passing year. Smriti Mandhana — India's finest women's batter and one of the most elegant stroke-players in world cricket — has her roots in the Maharashtra region and has put women's cricket on Pune's sporting map. The Maharashtra Cricket Association's activities extend into Pune, and the Gahunje Stadium — MCA's home venue — sits in the heart of the Pune metropolitan area. The city's pleasant climate, expanding infrastructure, and rapidly growing population of sport-conscious families have created conditions in which cricket academies are flourishing.
Pune is also distinct from Mumbai in an important way for parents: it is less congested, has more open space for cricket grounds, and the coaching environment tends to be less hypercompetitive than Mumbai's extraordinarily deep talent pool. This does not mean standards are lower — it means that a good young cricketer in Pune can get more individual attention and more match opportunities per season than their counterpart in Mumbai might. This guide profiles the 10 best cricket academies in Pune for 2026. All fee figures are estimates; always confirm directly with the academy before enrolling.
How to Choose a Cricket Academy
Pune's cricket ecosystem has specific features that should shape your academy choice.
MCA vs. Maharashtra Cricket Board structure. Cricket in Maharashtra is complex administratively — the Mumbai Cricket Association covers Mumbai, while Cricket Maharashtra (and affiliated district associations) covers the rest of Maharashtra including Pune. Understand which body's tournament structure your child will compete in, and ensure the academy is affiliated accordingly for Pune's Ranji district and age-group cricket.
Climate advantage. Pune's climate is among the most cricket-friendly in India — temperatures are moderate year-round, rain is seasonal and manageable, and mornings are comfortable for early training even in summer. This allows for longer practice windows than cities like Chennai or Hyderabad.
The Gahunje connection. The MCA Gahunje Stadium is one of India's better regional cricket venues. Academies operating in the Gahunje/Hinjawadi corridor benefit from proximity to professional cricket infrastructure and the administration structure.
Coaching qualifications. NCA Level 2 and Level 3 certifications remain the standard benchmark. Pune has a growing number of NCA-certified coaches, and this is a mark worth checking explicitly before enrolling.
Match opportunities. Pune's club cricket scene is active. The best academies enter students in Maharashtra district-level tournaments. Verify that any academy you consider offers genuine competitive match experience — not just net sessions.
Top 10 Cricket Academies in Pune
1. Cricket Maharashtra Academy — Shivajinagar / Gahunje
Location: Multiple centres; association with Gahunje Stadium, Pune
Cricket Maharashtra's official academy arm represents the formal pathway into Maharashtra state cricket for Pune-based players. The academy's direct association with Maharashtra's administrative cricket structure makes it the most strategically important option for serious players. Coaches here are embedded in the selection ecosystem for Maharashtra Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 cricket.
Coaching Staff: NCA Level 2 and Level 3 certified coaches; coaches with Maharashtra Ranji Trophy experience; Cricket Maharashtra-affiliated coaching framework
Age Groups: U12 to U19 (trial-based admission)
Fees: Approximately ₹4,000–₹7,000 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Access to professional pitch facilities, good nets, video analysis, structured coaching framework
Timings: Morning sessions (6:00 AM–9:00 AM)
Best For: Advanced players aged 13 and above targeting Maharashtra state age-group cricket
How to Enquire: Contact Cricket Maharashtra directly; trial-based admission process
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Gahunje Stadium Cricket Academy — Gahunje / Hinjawadi
Location: MCA International Stadium, Gahunje (near Hinjawadi), Pune
Training at the MCA Gahunje Stadium — Pune's international cricket venue — carries a motivational dimension that few academies can replicate. The stadium facility provides access to quality turf pitches and professional coaching infrastructure. The academy is particularly relevant for players in the western Pune suburbs (Hinjawadi, Baner, Wakad) who are in the IPL and BCCI's orbit during tournament season.
Coaching Staff: NCA Level 2 certified coaches with MCA affiliations; coaches with Maharashtra Ranji and first-class playing experience
Age Groups: U12 to U19
Fees: Approximately ₹4,000–₹6,500 per month (estimate)
Facilities: International turf pitches, professional nets, gym access, video analysis, stadium infrastructure
Timings: Early morning (5:30 AM–8:30 AM) and evening sessions
Best For: Advanced players in West Pune targeting Maharashtra cricket; players who benefit from the professional environment of an international venue
How to Enquire: Enquire through MCA's Pune administration; contact the stadium complex directly
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Shivajinagar Cricket Club — Shivajinagar / Central Pune
Location: Shivajinagar, Central Pune
Shivajinagar Cricket Club is one of Pune's oldest and most respected cricket institutions, with a heritage that mirrors Pune's century-long engagement with the sport. The club's coaching programme operates through a deep network of coaches embedded in Pune's district cricket structure. Training here means exposure to the kind of competitive peer environment that builds match-hardened cricketers.
Coaching Staff: Experienced coaches with Pune district cricket backgrounds; NCA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications; strong match cricket culture through club fixtures
Age Groups: U10 to senior
Fees: Approximately ₹2,500–₹4,000 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Club grounds, practice nets, maintained pitches, match practice through active club fixtures
Timings: Morning (6:00 AM–8:30 AM) and evening (4:30 PM–7:00 PM) batches; weekend match days
Best For: Players in Central Pune; those who want traditional club cricket culture and competitive peer exposure
How to Enquire: Enquire directly at the club during session hours; well-established institution in Pune cricket circles
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Deccan Gymkhana Cricket Academy — Deccan Gymkhana
Location: Deccan Gymkhana, Pune
Deccan Gymkhana is one of Pune's most storied sporting clubs, and its cricket academy draws on over a century of sporting tradition. The gymkhana environment — well-maintained facilities, a members' community, and a culture that values sport seriously — provides an excellent training backdrop. The coaching programme participates in Pune district and Maharashtra state youth cricket circuits.
Coaching Staff: NCA Level 1 and Level 2 certified coaches; coaches with Maharashtra district cricket experience; structured age-group curriculum
Age Groups: U10 to U19
Fees: Approximately ₹3,000–₹5,000 per month (estimate; gymkhana membership may apply separately)
Facilities: Well-maintained grounds, quality nets and pitch surfaces, club amenities, smaller batch sizes than many academies
Timings: Morning and evening sessions; weekend match practice
Best For: Players in Central and West Pune; families who value a structured club environment with quality facilities
How to Enquire: Contact Deccan Gymkhana directly; membership enquiry through the club office
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Pune Cricket Academy — Kalyani Nagar / East Pune
Location: Kalyani Nagar, East Pune
Pune Cricket Academy has established a strong reputation in the eastern suburbs — Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, Kharadi, and the expanding Wagholi corridor — where Pune's IT economy has created a large population of sport-invested families. The academy is organised, well-coached, and participates actively in Pune district cricket tournaments.
Coaching Staff: NCA Level 1 and Level 2 certified coaches; structured batch system with age-appropriate curriculum
Age Groups: U10 to U19
Fees: Approximately ₹3,000–₹5,000 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Good quality nets and pitches, bowling machines, basic video review for advanced batches
Timings: Morning and evening batches on all days of the week; weekend intensive sessions available
Best For: Players in East Pune (Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, Kharadi, Wagholi); committed junior and intermediate players
How to Enquire: Direct enquiry at the academy; contact through local school and residential networks
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Hadapsar Cricket Club — Hadapsar / South-East Pune
Location: Hadapsar, South-East Pune
Hadapsar Cricket Club serves the large residential and industrial population of South-East Pune — Hadapsar, Magarpatta, Manjari, and the Solapur Highway corridor. The club has an active competitive cricket programme and participates in Pune district tournaments, providing the competitive match experience that serious junior players need.
Coaching Staff: Coaches with Pune district cricket experience; NCA Level 1 certifications; emphasis on competitive match culture
Age Groups: U10 to U19
Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,500 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Club grounds, nets, maintained pitches; match practice through regular club fixtures
Timings: Evening sessions on weekdays; morning sessions and match days on weekends
Best For: Players in South-East Pune (Hadapsar, Magarpatta, Manjari); club cricket exposure alongside structured coaching
How to Enquire: Contact the club directly; enquire at ground during active session times
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
7. Kothrud Cricket Academy — Kothrud
Location: Kothrud, West-Central Pune
Kothrud is one of Pune's most densely populated residential areas and has a large cricket-playing community. Kothrud Cricket Academy has built a following by providing structured, affordable coaching that serves the area's families well. The academy participates in Pune district age-group tournaments and has produced several players who have progressed to district-level cricket.
Coaching Staff: Experienced coaches with Pune club cricket backgrounds; NCA Level 1 certifications
Age Groups: U10 to U16
Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,500 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Nets, practice pitches, open ground for match practice
Timings: Morning and evening batches; weekend sessions available
Best For: Players in Kothrud, Karve Nagar, and Warje; affordable, accessible coaching for one of Pune's most densely populated areas
How to Enquire: Direct enquiry at the academy ground
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
8. Pimpri Chinchwad Cricket Academy — Pimpri Chinchwad
Location: Pimpri Chinchwad (PCMC area), North-West Pune
Pimpri Chinchwad represents a massive and growing urban population that has historically looked to Pune city for cricket coaching. Pimpri Chinchwad Cricket Academy brings quality coaching to this industrial-residential belt, with particular emphasis on making structured coaching accessible for the working-class cricket families who form much of PCMC's population.
Coaching Staff: NCA Level 1 certified coaches; coaches with Pune district cricket experience in the PCMC zone
Age Groups: U10 to U19
Fees: Approximately ₹1,800–₹3,000 per month (estimate; among the more affordable options given the PCMC market)
Facilities: Nets, practice pitches, open ground; basic equipment provision
Timings: Morning and evening sessions; all-day Saturday batches
Best For: Players in Pimpri, Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Nigdi; affordable, accessible quality coaching for PCMC families
How to Enquire: Direct enquiry at the ground; contact through local PCMC residential associations
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
9. NIBM Cricket Academy — NIBM Road / South Pune
Location: NIBM Road, Undri, South Pune
South Pune's rapid residential expansion along the NIBM Road and Undri corridors has created demand for quality coaching in an area that previously had few options. NIBM Cricket Academy has grown steadily and provides structured coaching for the large student population along the Pune-Solapur road corridor.
Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with NCA Level 1 certifications; structured junior development programme
Age Groups: U10 to U16
Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,500 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Nets, practice pitches, basic bowling machine access
Timings: Evening batches on weekdays; morning batches on weekends
Best For: Junior players in South Pune (NIBM, Undri, Kondhwa, Mohammadwadi); school-going children aged 8–15
How to Enquire: Direct enquiry at the academy; contact through NIBM-area school sports departments
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
10. Baner Cricket Club — Baner / West Pune
Location: Baner, West Pune
Baner has emerged as one of Pune's most dynamic residential and commercial corridors, driven by IT-sector growth and proximity to Hinjawadi. Baner Cricket Club has grown with this wave and now offers one of West Pune's better mid-range coaching programmes. The club participates in Pune district cricket and provides the competitive match environment that is essential for serious junior players.
Coaching Staff: Coaches with Maharashtra club cricket experience; NCA Level 1 certifications; active participation in Pune district tournament circuit
Age Groups: U10 to U16
Fees: Approximately ₹2,500–₹4,000 per month (estimate)
Facilities: Good quality nets, maintained pitches, club ground for match practice
Timings: Morning and evening sessions; weekend match days
Best For: Players in Baner, Balewadi, Pashan, and the Hinjawadi approach corridor; convenient for West Pune IT-sector families
How to Enquire: Contact the club directly; enquire through local Baner residential and sports networks
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Fees Comparison Table
All figures are estimates. Verify directly with each academy before enrolling.
| Academy | Location | Est. Monthly Fee | Facilities Rating | Best Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Maharashtra Academy | Shivajinagar/Gahunje | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | U12–U19 |
| Gahunje Stadium Academy | Gahunje/Hinjawadi | ₹4,000–₹6,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | U12–U19 |
| Shivajinagar Cricket Club | Shivajinagar | ₹2,500–₹4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | U10–Senior |
| Deccan Gymkhana Academy | Deccan Gymkhana | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U19 |
| Pune Cricket Academy | Kalyani Nagar | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U19 |
| Hadapsar Cricket Club | Hadapsar | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | ⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U19 |
| Kothrud Cricket Academy | Kothrud | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | ⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U16 |
| Pimpri Chinchwad Cricket Academy | PCMC | ₹1,800–₹3,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U19 |
| NIBM Cricket Academy | NIBM Road | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | ⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U16 |
| Baner Cricket Club | Baner | ₹2,500–₹4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ | U10–U16 |
Choosing Between Academies: A Parent Guide
If your child is a complete beginner (age 7–11): Start close to home. Kothrud, Hadapsar, NIBM, or Baner Cricket Club all offer beginner-friendly junior programmes at reasonable fees. The goal at this age is skill development and enjoyment — not high-pressure competition.
If your child is seriously committed (age 12–15): Shivajinagar Cricket Club, Deccan Gymkhana, and Pune Cricket Academy (Kalyani Nagar) all offer competitive environments with district tournament participation. The Gahunje Stadium Academy is worth the commute for players in West Pune who want a professional facility environment.
If your child is an advanced player targeting state cricket (age 15+): Cricket Maharashtra Academy is the primary strategic target — its coaches are embedded in the Maharashtra selection structure. Gahunje Stadium Academy is an excellent parallel option for players in the western suburbs.
If you are in PCMC (Pimpri Chinchwad): Pimpri Chinchwad Cricket Academy offers the most accessible local option. For serious advanced players, the commute to Shivajinagar Cricket Club or Gahunje Stadium is worth making.
Budget considerations: Pune's range runs from ₹1,800 to ₹7,000 per month. Shivajinagar Cricket Club at the mid-range has produced district and state cricketers for decades. Pimpri Chinchwad at the lower end provides solid coaching at genuinely affordable rates. Do not assume the most expensive option is the best choice.
How to Get Selected for Maharashtra Under-14/16/19
Maharashtra cricket administration is complex — MCA covers Mumbai, while Cricket Maharashtra and district associations govern the rest of the state. Here is how Pune players navigate the pathway.
Step 1 — Understand your district. Pune players compete under the Pune District Cricket Association, which is affiliated with Cricket Maharashtra. Register your child with a Cricket Maharashtra-affiliated club through the academy.
Step 2 — Pune District tournaments. Cricket Maharashtra and the Pune District Cricket Association run age-group tournaments (U14, U16, U19) through affiliated clubs and zones. Consistent performance in these tournaments over multiple seasons is the primary pathway to state selection.
Step 3 — Maharashtra state trials. Cricket Maharashtra announces state-level trials, and strong district tournament performers are shortlisted. Coaches with Cricket Maharashtra connections can guide families on trial preparation.
Step 4 — School cricket. Maharashtra has an active school cricket circuit. Encourage your child's school to participate in BCCI-affiliated school tournaments and inter-school competitions. Good performances at school level complement club tournament performances.
Step 5 — Fitness and conditioning. Maharashtra selectors look for athletic, well-conditioned players who can field well and maintain intensity. Structured fitness training should begin around age 13. See our guide on cricket training schedules for Under-16 players for a structured approach.
FAQ
Is Pune's cricket standard comparable to Mumbai?
Pune's player pool is smaller than Mumbai's extraordinarily deep talent reservoir, which means that a good cricketer in Pune may get more match opportunities and individual attention than in Mumbai. However, Pune cricket competes within the same Maharashtra state structure, and reaching Maharashtra Under-19 level from Pune requires the same standards of excellence. The opportunity in Pune is real — the competition is serious.
How much does cricket coaching cost in Pune?
Monthly fees range from approximately ₹1,800 at community academies like Pimpri Chinchwad Cricket Academy to ₹7,000 at the Cricket Maharashtra Academy. Most established mid-range academies with good coaching charge ₹2,500–₹5,000 per month. Confirm current fees directly — these are estimates as of early 2026.
Is the Gahunje Stadium Academy worth the commute from Central or South Pune?
For serious players aged 13 and above, yes. Training at an international venue under coaches embedded in the MCA/Cricket Maharashtra structure provides genuine advantages. For beginners and young junior players, a local academy is more appropriate — the commute is not worth the disruption to school and routine at early ages.
Do Pune academies provide equipment for beginners?
Most academies provide shared equipment (pads, helmets, gloves) for net sessions. Players are expected to bring their own bat from around age 11–12. Coaches will advise on appropriate bat sizes and brands based on the child's height and playing style.
What cricket tournaments should Pune parents know about?
The Cooch Behar Trophy (Under-19), Vijay Merchant Trophy (Under-16), and Vinoo Mankad Trophy (Under-19 One-Day) are the national age-group tournaments that Maharashtra qualifies for. At the city/district level, Pune district age-group leagues run by the Pune District Cricket Association through Cricket Maharashtra are the primary competitive platform.
Fee estimates are based on best available information as of early 2026. Always confirm directly with the academy before enrolling. CricJosh does not have commercial relationships with any academies listed.
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Rahul Sharma
Expert in: How To GuidesRahul Sharma has played district-level cricket in Mumbai for 8 years and has personally tested more than 50 bats, pads, gloves, and helmets across different price ranges. He joined CricJosh to help Indian club cricketers make smarter equipment choices without overpaying. His reviews are based on real match and net session use, not sponsored samples.
Why trust this review: Rahul has used every product in this review across multiple match and net sessions before writing a word. He buys equipment at retail price and accepts no free samples.
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