Best Cricket Academies in Surat 2026 (With Fees and Details)

Surat's cricket credentials have grown considerably over the past decade, fuelled in no small part by the extraordinary rise of the Pandya brothers. Hardik Pandya — one of the most exciting all-rounders in world cricket — and Krunal Pandya, a match-winning performer in his own right, both have roots in the Surat-Baroda region and their success has ignited cricket aspirations across Gujarat's commercial capital. Beyond the Pandya story, Gujarat cricket's overall rise — winning the Ranji Trophy in 2016-17 and consistently challenging the traditional powerhouses — has raised the standard and the ambition level across the entire state.

For Surat specifically, the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has invested in developing the city's cricket infrastructure, and a network of private academies and clubs has grown alongside that institutional investment. In 2026, Surat offers a solid range of coaching options for young players at all stages of development.

This guide profiles the top 10 cricket academies in Surat with honest assessments of fees, facilities, coaching quality, and suitability. All fee figures are estimates — always confirm directly with the academy before enrolling.

---

How to Choose a Cricket Academy

Surat's cricket academy landscape has grown quickly, and quality varies considerably. Here is a practical framework for making the right choice.

Coaching credentials come first. NCA Level 2 or Level 3 certified coaches, or coaches with GCA-affiliated qualifications, are the standard to look for. Gujarat's domestic cricket success has produced a generation of coaches with genuine experience at a competitive level — verify that experience extends to coaching methodology, not just playing careers.

Ask about match play opportunities. The GCA runs a structured tournament calendar at district and state level. An academy that cannot articulate how its students participate in GCA-affiliated tournaments — Surat district Under-14, Under-16, Under-19 — is not providing a complete cricket development environment.

Age group separation is a quality indicator. Look for distinct, well-organised batches for U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19. Academies that batch beginners with advanced players signal poor organisational structure.

GCA pathway understanding is essential. The route from Surat's academies to the Gujarat state side runs through the GCA's district and zonal structure. A coach embedded in that system provides guidance that cannot be substituted by impressive-looking nets or expensive equipment.

Watch a session before enrolling. Visit in the early morning or evening when sessions are running. Observe how coaches give feedback, how batch sizes are managed, and whether the environment is genuinely developmental.

---

Top 10 Cricket Academies in Surat

1. GCA Surat Cricket Academy

Location: Surat Cricket Ground (GCA-affiliated venue), Surat

The Gujarat Cricket Association's Surat-based academy is the top institutional address for serious young cricketers in the city. GCA coaches are connected to the state selection structure and the academy operates within the GCA's overall youth development framework, giving students the clearest pathway to Gujarat Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 cricket.

Coaching Staff: GCA-appointed coaches with NCA certifications; several with domestic cricket experience in Gujarat

Age Groups: U14 to U19 (selection by merit; competitive entry)

Fees: Approximately ₹3,000–₹5,000 per month (estimate; verify with GCA directly)

Facilities: GCA-standard turf and practice pitches, professional nets, basic gymnasium, video analysis support

Timings: Morning sessions (6:00 AM–9:00 AM)

Best For: Advanced players aged 13 and above performing at district level who are targeting Gujarat age-group cricket

How to Enquire: Contact GCA's Surat office or the ground administration for trial information

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

---

2. Diamond City Cricket Club

Location: Athwa, South Surat

Named for Surat's status as the world's diamond polishing capital, Diamond City Cricket Club has built a strong reputation over many years as one of the city's best-organised private cricket institutions. The club combines an active district match calendar with structured coaching, and has produced multiple players who have competed at the Surat district level.

Coaching Staff: NCA Level 2 certified coaches; some have Gujarat domestic cricket experience

Age Groups: U10 to U19 and senior open batches

Fees: Approximately ₹2,500–₹3,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Quality nets, practice pitches, bowling machine for senior batches, equipment provided for juniors

Timings: Morning (6:00 AM–8:30 AM) and evening (4:30 PM–7:00 PM) batches

Best For: Intermediate to advanced players aged 11–19 seeking structured coaching with a clear GCA district tournament pathway

How to Enquire: Visit the club ground during session hours or enquire through Surat's local cricket network

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

---

3. Athwa Lines Cricket Academy

Location: Athwa Lines, South Surat

Athwa Lines Cricket Academy has established itself as one of the city's more prominent coaching centres in the southern residential belt. The academy's structured age-group approach and its ties to Surat's district cricket circuit have produced a consistent record of developing junior players to district competition standard.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with GCA district-level affiliations

Age Groups: U8 to U17 (junior and intermediate focus)

Fees: Approximately ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Practice nets, concrete and turf practice areas, basic equipment for junior batches

Timings: Evening batches (5:00 PM–7:30 PM) on weekdays; morning sessions on weekends

Best For: Beginners and early-intermediate players aged 8–15 in the Athwa, Adajan, and Vesu corridor

How to Enquire: Enquire directly at the academy ground

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

---

4. Varachha Cricket Club

Location: Varachha, East Surat

Varachha is one of Surat's most densely populated residential areas, and its cricket club has a loyal following built on decades of club cricket culture. The coaching wing serves as a feeder for the club's active district match programme, giving students genuine competitive exposure alongside their technical development.

Coaching Staff: Senior club coaches with long careers in Surat's club cricket circuit; some hold BCCI coaching certifications

Age Groups: U12 to senior (open age)

Fees: Approximately ₹1,800–₹2,800 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Club ground, nets, open match area

Timings: Morning and evening batches; match practice on weekends during the season

Best For: Players aged 12 and above who want a club cricket culture with match exposure and GCA district connections

How to Enquire: Visit the club ground or enquire through local cricket networks in east Surat

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

---

5. Adajan Cricket Academy

Location: Adajan, West Surat

Adajan is one of Surat's most affluent and rapidly developing residential areas, and its cricket academy reflects the area's growth. The academy offers structured coaching with good facilities and has developed a reputation for quality junior coaching with a modern approach that includes basic video analysis.

Coaching Staff: NCA Level 1 certified coaches; supporting staff with club cricket experience

Age Groups: U8 to U17

Fees: Approximately ₹2,500–₹3,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Quality nets, practice pitch, video analysis for intermediate and senior batches, small batch sizes

Timings: Morning (6:30 AM–9:00 AM) and evening (4:30 PM–7:00 PM) batches

Best For: Players in the Adajan, Pal, and Vesu corridor who want quality coaching in a modern environment with manageable batch sizes

How to Enquire: Enquire at the ground or through local Adajan-area sports contacts

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

---

6. Udhna Cricket Club

Location: Udhna, East Surat

Udhna Cricket Club serves the industrial and residential eastern zone of Surat and has built a solid coaching programme alongside an active club match schedule. The club's history in Surat's local cricket circuit gives it good connections to the city's district cricket administration.

Coaching Staff: Experienced club coaches with Surat district cricket backgrounds

Age Groups: U10 to U19

Fees: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Ground, nets, basic shared equipment

Timings: Evening batches on weekdays; match practice on weekends

Best For: Players in the Udhna, Katargam, and Sagrampura area who want an affordable club cricket environment with GCA district connections

How to Enquire: Visit the club ground or enquire through local cricket networks

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

---

7. Nanpura Cricket Academy

Location: Nanpura, Central Surat

Operating from one of Surat's oldest and most historically significant neighbourhoods, Nanpura Cricket Academy has a long presence in the city's cricket landscape. The academy's central location makes it accessible from multiple parts of the city, and its coaching programme covers all major age groups.

Coaching Staff: Experienced coaches with GCA district backgrounds; formal certifications vary

Age Groups: U10 to U19

Fees: Approximately ₹1,800–₹2,800 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Nets, practice area, moderate facilities for the price point

Timings: Morning and evening batches

Best For: Players from central Surat (Nanpura, Rander Road, Gopipura area) looking for accessible coaching with GCA district experience in the coaching panel

How to Enquire: Enquire at the ground during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

---

8. Pal Cricket Club

Location: Pal, West Surat

Pal has grown rapidly as a residential area and its cricket club has developed in parallel with the population growth. The club offers structured junior coaching and participates in Surat district fixtures, making it a meaningful option for families settling in the western residential belt.

Coaching Staff: Qualified local coaches with GCA district backgrounds

Age Groups: U8 to U16 (junior focus)

Fees: Approximately ₹1,800–₹2,800 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Ground, practice nets, basic equipment

Timings: Evening batches on weekdays; morning sessions on weekends

Best For: Junior players aged 8–14 in the Pal, Adajan, and Bhatar Road area

How to Enquire: Enquire at the club ground directly

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

---

9. Citylight Cricket Academy

Location: Citylight, South-West Surat

Citylight Cricket Academy serves the upmarket Citylight and Bhatar corridor and has established a reputation for quality coaching with modern facilities. The academy places emphasis on individual skill development and small batch sizes, attracting families from Surat's more affluent residential zones.

Coaching Staff: NCA-certified lead coach with supporting staff; emphasis on individual coaching attention

Age Groups: U8 to U19

Fees: Approximately ₹2,500–₹4,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Modern nets, quality practice pitches, coaching aids, small batch sizes for good individual attention

Timings: Morning (6:30 AM–9:00 AM) and evening (4:30 PM–7:00 PM) batches

Best For: Players in the Citylight, Bhatar, and Vesu area who want individual coaching attention and modern training methods

How to Enquire: Enquire at the academy directly or through local sports contacts

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

---

10. Piplod Cricket Academy

Location: Piplod, South Surat

Piplod Cricket Academy serves the newer residential development in Surat's southern zone and has built a steady student base by offering structured, affordable coaching in an area that has grown rapidly. The academy offers solid fundamentals coaching for junior and intermediate players.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with local and GCA district cricket experience

Age Groups: U8 to U17

Fees: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Practice nets, open ground, basic equipment provision

Timings: Morning and evening batches

Best For: Junior players aged 8–15 in the Piplod, Dumas Road, and south Surat corridor

How to Enquire: Enquire at the academy ground directly

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

---

Fees Comparison Table

All figures are estimates. Verify directly with each academy before enrolling.

Academy	Location	Est. Monthly Fee	Facilities Rating	Best Age Group
GCA Surat Cricket Academy	GCA Ground	₹3,000–₹5,000	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	U14–U19
Diamond City Cricket Club	Athwa	₹2,500–₹3,500	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U10–U19
Athwa Lines Cricket Academy	Athwa Lines	₹2,000–₹3,000	⭐⭐⭐	U8–U17
Varachha Cricket Club	Varachha	₹1,800–₹2,800	⭐⭐⭐	U12–Senior
Adajan Cricket Academy	Adajan	₹2,500–₹3,500	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U8–U17
Udhna Cricket Club	Udhna	₹1,500–₹2,500	⭐⭐⭐	U10–U19
Nanpura Cricket Academy	Nanpura	₹1,800–₹2,800	⭐⭐⭐	U10–U19
Pal Cricket Club	Pal	₹1,800–₹2,800	⭐⭐⭐	U8–U16
Citylight Cricket Academy	Citylight	₹2,500–₹4,000	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U8–U19
Piplod Cricket Academy	Piplod	₹1,500–₹2,500	⭐⭐⭐	U8–U17

---

Choosing Between Academies: A Parent Guide

If your child is a complete beginner (age 7–11): Prioritise a local, accessible academy with a patient approach to junior development. Athwa Lines Cricket Academy, Pal Cricket Club, and Piplod Cricket Academy all offer solid foundations at affordable prices. At this stage, building love for the game and basic coordination skills is the primary objective.

If your child is developing seriously (age 12–15): Diamond City Cricket Club, Adajan Cricket Academy, and Citylight Cricket Academy all offer the kind of structured, quality coaching environment that serious players at this level need. Confirm that your chosen academy enters students in GCA Surat district junior tournaments — this is the gateway to Gujarat state selections.

If your child is targeting state cricket (age 15+): The GCA Surat Academy is the top option. Entry is competitive and merit-based, which reflects the standard required. Diamond City Cricket Club is the strongest private alternative, with coaches who understand the GCA selection pathway.

Budget considerations: Fees range from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 across this list. Varachha Cricket Club and Udhna Cricket Club have produced district-level players at mid-range fees through consistent match exposure and club culture. Modern facilities help advanced players — but at the developmental stage, coach quality and match opportunities matter most.

---

How to Get Selected for Gujarat Under-14/16/19

The Gujarat Cricket Association runs a structured age-group pathway that flows from district cricket to zonal selections and finally to the state squad.

Step 1 — Register with a GCA-affiliated club. Your child must represent a club registered with the Gujarat Cricket Association. Most academies in this guide are affiliated clubs or can point you to one. Club registration is mandatory for GCA tournament participation.

Step 2 — Compete in Surat district cricket. GCA runs Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 district tournaments. Surat is a major district. Consistent performance across a full season — not just individual highlights — is what creates a selection record that GCA selectors use.

Step 3 — Attend GCA state trials. After the district tournament circuit, GCA announces open trials for its state age-group squads. A coach with GCA connections can advise on trial preparation, what selectors are assessing, and how the selection system works.

Step 4 — Fitness is assessed alongside skills. GCA selections, aligned with BCCI national standards, assess physical fitness, fielding ability, and athleticism alongside batting, bowling, and wicketkeeping skills. Academies that integrate conditioning into their training are producing more selection-ready players.

Step 5 — Gujarat's Ranji Trophy pedigree is a pathway motivator. Gujarat's 2016-17 Ranji Trophy victory demonstrated that the pathway is real. The route from Surat's academy cricket to the Gujarat Ranji side exists and has been walked. It requires consistency across multiple seasons, but the infrastructure to support that journey is in place.

For a structured weekly training approach to support age-group preparation, see our guide on Cricket Training Schedule for Under-16 Players.

---

FAQ

What is the right age to start cricket coaching in Surat?

Fun-based cricket can begin at age 7–8. Serious technical coaching becomes productive from around age 10–11. Players with Gujarat state-level ambitions should be in structured coaching by age 12 and competing in GCA district tournaments by 13–14.

How much do cricket academies in Surat charge?

Monthly fees range from approximately ₹1,500 at community clubs to ₹5,000 at the GCA Academy. Most well-structured private academies charge ₹2,000–₹3,500 per month. These are estimates — always confirm current fees directly with the academy.

Do the Pandya brothers' success stories reflect what is achievable for Surat players?

They reflect what is possible with exceptional talent and sustained effort — not what is guaranteed. Hardik and Krunal Pandya are exceptional cases. But their stories have strengthened Surat's cricket culture and increased investment in the city's cricket infrastructure. The environment for a young cricketer in Surat is genuinely better for their success.

Do academies in Surat provide cricket equipment?

Most academies provide shared protective equipment for junior net sessions. Intermediate and advanced players are expected to own their own bat. Academies advise on what equipment becomes necessary as a student progresses.

Is there a clear pathway from Surat to the Gujarat Ranji side?

Yes, though it is competitive. The pathway runs through GCA Surat district cricket, Gujarat state age-group selections (Under-14, 16, 19), the Gujarat Under-23 circuit, and ultimately the senior Ranji squad. Consistent performance across multiple seasons is what advances a player through this structure.

---

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.

Also read: Cricket Training Schedule for Under-16 Players