Mumbai: Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Land Allotment for Rahane’s Cricket Academy, Reclaiming Plot Once Assigned to Gavaskar

Mumbai, 24th September 2024: The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the allocation of a 2,000 sq m plot at Bandra reclamation to Ajinkya Rahane, former India and current Mumbai cricket captain, for the development of a cricket academy. This land was initially granted to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor training academy, but Gavaskar returned it to the state government in May 2022.

According to a cabinet note, the plot has been leased to Rahane for 30 years. The note specifies that 15% of the trainees at the academy must come from underprivileged backgrounds, and the construction must be completed within two years from the time Rahane receives possession of the land.

A source revealed that Mumbai BJP president and Bandra MLA Ashish Shelar, who also serves as the BCCI treasurer, advocated for Rahane’s request for land with Mhada and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. Shelar had written to government authorities, which led to Mhada passing a resolution in support of the allotment.

An official noted that the plot had originally been assigned to Gavaskar for an indoor cricket training centre but was repossessed by the government due to a lack of development. The land had since deteriorated in condition before Mhada took action.

Expressing his gratitude on social media platform X, Rahane wrote, “Thank you… for supporting my vision of a world-class cricket academy & sports facility in Mumbai. This academy will empower young sportspersons with top-notch facilities & guidance, fostering the next generation of champions in the city…”