The NCA was officially opened in 2013 with 10 years deal with Indian business conglomerate Shapoorji Pallonji Group which is owned by the Pallonji Mistry family who Irish citizens to promote cricket in Ireland. It was designed to be a finishing school for leading young male and female players who are identified as having the potential to represent the Ireland cricket team.[3] The initial intake comprised 22 Irish players from the ages of 15.[4][5]