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

Varanasi, one of India's oldest and most spiritually significant cities, has quietly built a reputation as a genuine nursery for Uttar Pradesh domestic cricket. The city sits at the eastern end of UP's cricket geography, and while Kanpur and Lucknow have historically dominated the state's cricket administration, Varanasi has consistently produced players who have gone on to represent UP in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. The city's love of cricket is visible on every available patch of open ground — from the ghats to the university campus to the cantonment areas — where young players chase leather from first light.

For parents and young cricketers in Varanasi and the surrounding eastern UP belt, 2026 represents a good moment to invest in structured coaching. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has been expanding its grassroots reach, and the district cricket ecosystem in Varanasi is more organised than it has been in years. The challenge, as always, is identifying which academy will genuinely develop your child's game rather than simply occupying their evenings.

This guide profiles the 10 best cricket academies in Varanasi for 2026, with honest assessments of fees, facilities, coaching quality, and who each academy is best suited for.

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How to Choose a Cricket Academy

Before spending a rupee, ask these questions.

Coaching qualifications matter more than famous names. An NCA (National Cricket Academy) Level 2 or Level 3 certified coach understands periodisation, biomechanics, and age-appropriate training. A retired club cricketer who has not been formally trained as a coach can still be excellent — but verify what their methodology actually looks like in a session.

Net time is not enough. Match practice is where cricketers develop decision-making under pressure. Good academies run internal tournaments, arrange fixtures against other clubs, and expose players to competitive cricket regularly — not just net sessions.

Facilities should match your child's stage. A beginner does not need a full-sized turf pitch on day one. But as a student progresses to U14 and beyond, access to proper turf pitches, a gym, and video analysis becomes increasingly important.

Check the age group structure. Academies that mix 8-year-olds with 18-year-olds in the same batch signal poor organisation. Look for clearly defined age group batches (U10, U12, U14, U16, U19) with separate sessions.

Ask about the pathway. The best academies have a clear line from internal training to district trials to UPCA Under-14/16/19 selections. Ask coaches how many of their students have played district or state cricket in the last three years.

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Top 10 Cricket Academies in Varanasi

1. UPCA Varanasi Cricket Academy

Location: Varanasi, affiliated with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association

The UPCA Varanasi Cricket Academy is the most credible institutional option for serious cricketers in the city. As the official UPCA-affiliated academy in the region, it offers students a direct connection to UP's state selection structure and access to coaches who are embedded in the UPCA's development programmes. Trials for UPCA's district and state age-group squads are closely watched by coaches at this academy, giving enrolled students a meaningful advantage in terms of selector visibility.

Coaching Staff: UPCA-affiliated coaches, some holding NCA certifications; coaching methodology aligned with BCCI development guidelines

Age Groups: U12 through U19; senior batches available

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

Facilities: Practice pitches, net facilities, open ground for match practice

Timings: Early morning sessions (5:30 AM–8:00 AM) and evening sessions (4:00 PM–6:30 PM)

Best For: Players aged 12 and above who are seriously targeting district and state age-group cricket

How to Enquire: Contact UPCA directly or enquire at the Varanasi district cricket association office

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

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2. Sigra Cricket Club Academy

Location: Sigra, Varanasi

Sigra is one of Varanasi's most established residential areas, and the Sigra Cricket Club has been a fixture in local cricket for decades. The academy attached to the club operates with a strong emphasis on match practice alongside technical training — a balance that is not always easy to find at the grassroots level. Several Sigra alumni have gone on to represent Varanasi in inter-district competitions.

Coaching Staff: Senior coaches with extensive club cricket backgrounds in eastern UP; some with UPCA district-level experience

Age Groups: U10 to U19 and senior open batches

Fees: Approximately ₹1,800–₹3,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Club ground with practice pitches, nets, reasonable equipment provision

Timings: Early morning and evening batches; weekend sessions

Best For: Players from the Sigra, Lanka, and central Varanasi areas seeking solid, competitive club-environment coaching

How to Enquire: Visit the Sigra Cricket Club ground directly during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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3. Lanka Cricket Academy

Location: Lanka, Varanasi (near BHU campus area)

Located in the Lanka area adjacent to Banaras Hindu University, this academy draws from both the local residential population and the large student community associated with BHU. The proximity to one of India's largest university campuses means the academy benefits from an academically serious culture — students are often juggling studies and cricket with genuine discipline. Lanka Cricket Academy is particularly well-regarded for its junior development programmes.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with awareness of BHU's sports culture; methodical approach to junior coaching

Age Groups: U10 to U19

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

Facilities: Practice nets, open ground, basic equipment

Timings: Morning batches (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) and evening batches (5:00 PM–7:00 PM)

Best For: Beginners and intermediate players from the Lanka, Assi, and BHU campus area; student-athletes managing academic commitments alongside cricket

How to Enquire: Enquire directly at the ground during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

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4. BHU (Banaras Hindu University) Cricket Club

Location: BHU Campus, Varanasi

Banaras Hindu University is one of India's most prestigious educational institutions, and its cricket club operates with the backing of a world-class campus infrastructure. The BHU Cricket Club has a long history of producing players who go on to represent their state at university and senior club levels. For players who are both academically ambitious and cricket-serious, BHU's cricket programme offers a genuinely rare combination.

Coaching Staff: University-employed coaching staff, typically with strong domestic cricket backgrounds

Age Groups: College and university-age players (18+); junior programmes also run for local schools

Fees: Approximately ₹1,200–₹2,000 per month for external enrolments (estimate; BHU students may have subsidised access)

Facilities: University-standard pitches, good ground facilities, academic campus infrastructure

Timings: Morning and afternoon sessions aligned with university timetable

Best For: College-age cricketers who want to combine academic study at BHU with serious cricket; junior players from nearby areas who can access the programme

How to Enquire: Contact the BHU Sports Department directly

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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5. Shivpur Cricket Academy

Location: Shivpur, Varanasi

Shivpur is one of Varanasi's more industrially active areas, and the Shivpur Cricket Academy has developed a solid reputation for producing hardworking, technically disciplined players. The coaching emphasis here is on fundamentals — correct grip, stance, footwork, and bowling action — with less glamour and more grind. That approach has served its students well at the district trial level.

Coaching Staff: Experienced local coaches with a reputation for technical rigour

Age Groups: U10 to U16 (junior-focused)

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

Facilities: Practice pitches, nets, open ground

Timings: Evening batches (weekdays) and full morning sessions (weekends)

Best For: Beginners and junior players aged 8–15 who need solid foundational coaching; families in the Shivpur and Pahadia areas

How to Enquire: Visit the ground directly

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

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6. Orderly Bazaar Cricket Club Academy

Location: Orderly Bazaar, Varanasi

Orderly Bazaar is a historically significant area of Varanasi, and the cricket club here has roots going back to the early decades of organised cricket in eastern UP. The club retains a strong community identity and offers training that balances the traditional values of club cricket — camaraderie, competition, and character — with modern coaching inputs.

Coaching Staff: Senior coaches from the club's long history; community-driven coaching culture

Age Groups: U12 to senior

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

Facilities: Club ground, practice nets, moderate equipment

Timings: Morning and evening sessions

Best For: Players from the central and old city areas of Varanasi; students who thrive in a community cricket club environment

How to Enquire: Contact the club directly or visit during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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7. Varanasi Cricket Academy

Location: Varanasi (central area)

The Varanasi Cricket Academy operates as a general-purpose training facility catering to a wide age range and skill level. It is particularly popular with parents who want their children to get a structured introduction to the game without the intense competitive pressure of the higher-profile academies. The academy has produced several players who have gone on to pursue cricket more seriously at affiliated clubs.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with local club cricket experience

Age Groups: U8 to U19

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

Facilities: Nets and practice ground; basic but functional

Timings: Morning and evening batches

Best For: Beginners and recreational players; families new to cricket looking for an accessible, affordable entry point

How to Enquire: Direct enquiry at the academy

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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8. Cantt Cricket Club Varanasi

Location: Cantonment Area, Varanasi

Varanasi's cantonment area has a long tradition of producing disciplined sportspeople, and the Cantt Cricket Club reflects that culture. The military cantonment environment tends to produce well-organised, schedule-driven cricket programmes, and Cantt Cricket Club is no exception. Training here is structured, punctual, and serious — qualities that serve players well when they enter the competitive inter-district circuit.

Coaching Staff: Coaches with cantonment cricket backgrounds; strong emphasis on discipline and structured routines

Age Groups: U12 to senior

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

Facilities: Cantonment ground facilities, practice pitches, nets

Timings: Early morning sessions (standard cantonment schedule)

Best For: Players who want a structured, disciplined training environment; families in the cantonment and Sigra areas

How to Enquire: Visit the Cantt Cricket Club during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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9. Sundarpur Cricket Academy

Location: Sundarpur, Varanasi

Located in the Sundarpur area near the BHU campus periphery, this academy is a good mid-tier option for players who want more personalised attention than the larger academies offer, without the premium fees. Batch sizes tend to be smaller, and coaches are able to give individual feedback more consistently. Several alumni have represented Varanasi at the inter-district level.

Coaching Staff: Qualified coaches with UPCA district-level exposure

Age Groups: U10 to U16

Fees: Approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 per month (estimate; one of the more affordable options)

Facilities: Practice nets, open ground, basic equipment provision

Timings: Morning and evening batches

Best For: Players aged 10–16 who want smaller batch sizes and more individual coaching attention; budget-conscious families

How to Enquire: Visit the academy during session hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

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10. Sarnath Cricket Club Academy

Location: Sarnath, Varanasi (outskirts)

Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first sermon and one of the world's most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, may seem an unlikely home for competitive cricket — but the Sarnath Cricket Club has a devoted local following. The academy serves players from Sarnath and the northern outskirts of Varanasi who would otherwise have to travel into the city centre for coaching. The facilities are modest, but the coaching is earnest and the competitive spirit is genuine.

Coaching Staff: Local coaches with club cricket backgrounds

Age Groups: U10 to U19

Fees: Approximately ₹1,200–₹2,000 per month (estimate)

Facilities: Open ground, basic nets, practice wickets

Timings: Morning and evening sessions

Best For: Players from the Sarnath, Mughal Sarai, and northern Varanasi areas seeking local coaching options

How to Enquire: Enquire directly at the club ground

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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Fees Comparison Table

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

Academy	Location	Est. Monthly Fee	Facilities Rating	Best Age Group
UPCA Varanasi Academy	Central Varanasi	₹2,500–₹4,000	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U12–U19
Sigra Cricket Club	Sigra	₹1,800–₹3,000	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U10–Senior
Lanka Cricket Academy	Lanka	₹1,500–₹2,500	⭐⭐⭐	U10–U19
BHU Cricket Club	BHU Campus	₹1,200–₹2,000	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U18–Senior
Shivpur Cricket Academy	Shivpur	₹1,500–₹2,500	⭐⭐⭐	U10–U16
Orderly Bazaar CC	Orderly Bazaar	₹1,500–₹2,500	⭐⭐⭐	U12–Senior
Varanasi Cricket Academy	Central Varanasi	₹1,500–₹2,500	⭐⭐⭐	U8–U19
Cantt Cricket Club	Cantonment	₹2,000–₹3,000	⭐⭐⭐⭐	U12–Senior
Sundarpur Cricket Academy	Sundarpur	₹1,500–₹2,000	⭐⭐⭐	U10–U16
Sarnath Cricket Club	Sarnath	₹1,200–₹2,000	⭐⭐⭐	U10–U19

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Choosing Between Academies: A Parent Guide

If your child is a complete beginner (age 7–11): Start with a well-organised local option that does not demand too much too early. Lanka Cricket Academy, Shivpur Cricket Academy, or Varanasi Cricket Academy are all accessible starting points. The goal at this stage is building a love for the game and solid basic motor skills.

If your child is seriously committed (age 12–15): Now coaching quality matters more. Consider the UPCA Varanasi Cricket Academy (for its state-level connections), Sigra Cricket Club (for competitive club exposure), or Cantt Cricket Club (for structured discipline). Look for academies that enter players in UPCA district tournaments.

If your child is an advanced player targeting state cricket (age 15+): The UPCA Varanasi Academy is the clear first choice. Its ties to the UP state selection structure and UPCA's district cricket calendar give serious players the best platform for visibility.

Budget considerations: Fees in Varanasi are generally lower than metros, ranging from approximately ₹1,200 to ₹4,000 per month. Do not assume the most expensive option is the best — the UPCA Academy's institutional connections make it excellent value even at the upper end of the local fee range.

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How to Get Selected for Uttar Pradesh Under-14/16/19

The pathway to UP age-group cricket runs through the UPCA's structured district and state tournament calendar. Here is how it works in practice.

Step 1 — District registration. Your child needs to be registered with a UPCA-affiliated club in the Varanasi district. Most of the academies in this guide can facilitate this registration or advise on how to proceed.

Step 2 — District-level tournaments. UPCA runs district Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 tournaments. Consistent performance across these competitions is what gets a player noticed by UPCA selectors. Aim to be among the top performers across multiple tournaments — a single good innings is rarely enough.

Step 3 — Divisional and state trials. UPCA organises divisional-level cricket before state selections, creating an additional filter layer. Players who perform at the Varanasi district level must then hold their own against the best from Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and the rest of UP. The competition is fierce.

Step 4 — Consistency and fitness. Selectors at the UPCA age-group level prioritise consistent performers who also demonstrate physical fitness and cricket intelligence. An academy that builds fitness conditioning alongside technical coaching gives players a significant advantage.

Step 5 — Documentation. Ensure birth certificate, school records, and UPCA registration documents are in order well before trial season. Administrative lapses have cost talented players their chances in the past.

Also read: Cricket Training Schedule for Under-16 Players

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FAQ

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

Structured cricket coaching can begin at age 7–8 for fun-based, skills-oriented sessions. Serious technical coaching becomes productive around age 10–11. If your child has ambitions of district or state cricket, starting structured coaching before age 12 is advisable to allow enough development time before the U14 selection window.

How much does cricket academy coaching cost in Varanasi?

Monthly fees range from approximately ₹1,200 for community-level clubs to ₹4,000 for UPCA-affiliated programmes. Varanasi's costs are notably lower than metro cities. These are estimates — confirm current fees directly with each academy before enrolling.

Do Varanasi academies have links to UPCA selection?

The UPCA Varanasi Cricket Academy has the most direct institutional link to UP's state selection structure. Other academies may have coaches with UPCA connections — ask specifically whether their students have been called for UPCA district or state trials in recent years.

What equipment does my child need to start cricket coaching?

Most academies provide shared practice equipment for beginners. As your child progresses, they will need their own bat (appropriately sized for age and height), batting pads, gloves, and a helmet. Coaches will advise on timing and specifications when the need arises.

How do I know if an academy is UPCA-affiliated?

Ask the academy directly whether they participate in UPCA-run district tournaments and whether their coaches hold NCA or UPCA coaching certifications. Affiliated academies will have documentation. Do not rely on verbal assurances alone — ask to see evidence of participation in official UPCA competitions.

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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