Thane: Mumbai Cricket Association Eyes Development of International Cricket Ground near Bhiwandi

Bhiwandi, 15th December 2023: In a significant development for cricket enthusiasts in Thane, an international cricket ground is set to be developed near Amane Village in Bhiwandi, close to the Mumbai-Nagpur Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra (Samruddhi) Highway Highway. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has recently issued a tender for the lease of 50 acres of land at Amne, earmarked for sports, for 60 years. Notably, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has expressed interest in acquiring this space, paving the way for Thane to have its own international standard cricket ground.

The MSRDC, responsible for the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Highway, a sprawling 701 km-long project, has been making strides in infrastructure development. The 600 km Nagpur-Shirdi section of the highway is currently operational, with the remaining stretch expected to be in service in the upcoming new year. Alongside the highway, the MSRDC plans to develop additional facilities such as petrol pumps, hotels, and toilets.

The 50 acres of land, owned by the Maharashtra State Government and currently under MSRDC’s control, is situated a short distance from Amane village in Bhiwandi, approximately 5 km from Vadape, the starting point of the Samruddhi Highway in Thane. MSRDC has decided to lease this land for sports development, particularly for the construction of an international standard cricket ground. The lease will be granted for 60 years.

The tender specifies the development of an international standard cricket ground and imposes strict conditions. The concerned organization’s experience, national-level achievements of its players, and the number of members will be thoroughly evaluated. The deadline for the submission of tenders is January 5. The Mumbai Cricket Association has expressed its interest in securing this location; however, due process requires their participation in the competitive tendering process.

Thane currently lacks a major international cricket ground and a well-equipped cricket training centre. The proposed ground near Amne Village is expected to fill this void and double as a training centre. The move aims to provide cricket enthusiasts, especially children in Thane and surrounding areas, with access to proper training facilities.