In a recent move, the Maharashtra government has leased a 2,000 square meter plot in the upscale Bandra Reclamation area of Mumbai to Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. The plot, which had been previously allotted to legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor cricket academy, will now be used by Rahane to create state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Rahane’s Sports Complex in Bandra
The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the decision on September 23 to hand over the plot to Rahane for a 30-year lease. According to a statement, Rahane is expected to develop modern sports facilities on this land. The move comes after the plot remained undeveloped for more than 30 years while under the possession of Sunil Gavaskar’s Cricket Foundation Trust. The government decided to reclaim the land in May 2022 due to a lack of progress on the proposed project.
The land, located in a prime area of Bandra, had fallen into disrepair, with local slum dwellers reportedly using it for improper purposes. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) proposed handing the plot to Rahane, and the decision was confirmed in a recent cabinet meeting.
Rahane Thanks the Government
Ajinkya Rahane expressed his gratitude to the Maharashtra government for granting him the land to build a sports complex. He shared his thanks on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, expressing excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the development of sports infrastructure in the city.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Unused Plot Returned
The plot was originally allotted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988, with plans to build an indoor cricket training centre. However, due to various delays, no development took place over the decades, leading the government to reclaim the land. In May 2022, the state took back possession, and it has now been re-allotted to Rahane.
Rahane to Lead Mumbai in Irani Cup
In addition to this news, Rahane has been named the captain of Mumbai’s team for the upcoming Irani Cup match against Rest of India. The game is scheduled to be played in Lucknow from October 1. Mumbai’s squad will feature several top players, including Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Mushir Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian. Rahane’s leadership will be crucial for Mumbai as they take on the reigning champions of the Ranji Trophy.
