The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has formally approached Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with crucial requests regarding the future of cricket infrastructure in the city. During a meeting held on Friday morning, the newly formed MCA Apex Council presented two significant demands: renewal of the Wankhede Stadium lease and the return of cricket grounds at Azad Maidan that were acquired for metro construction.
Historic Cricket Grounds Affected by Metro Project
The situation at Azad Maidan represents a pressing concern for Mumbai's cricketing community. More than eight years ago, the Maharashtra government took over more than fifty percent of Azad Maidan to build an underground metro station. This acquisition dramatically reduced the ground's capacity from hosting 22 simultaneous games to barely half that number.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik emphasized the historical significance of these grounds, stating: "There are clubs in the maidaan which have a rich history. They are more than 100 years old and it has been a nursery to many Indian cricketers. We want those grounds so that more matches can be held in the city."
Century-Old Cricket Clubs Impacted
The metro construction has particularly affected historic clubs like Fort Vijay CC, which boasts a legacy including cricket legends Vijay Merchant and Vinoo Mankad. According to club secretary Jayant Zaveri, their ground has seen no cricketing activity since the land acquisition.
"Our club has a rich history. We have a pavilion in the name of the late Vijay Merchant. Since the time metro construction work took place, our plot was taken by the government and no cricketing activity has been held here since. The part of the plot instead is used for rallies. We are hoping to get our ground back so that our rich legacy is taken forward and cricketing activities resume after so many years," Zaveri explained.
Wankhede Stadium Lease and Future Plans
The MCA's delegation also addressed the long-pending issue of Wankhede Stadium's lease renewal, which has been unresolved for several years. The association sought extensions for three other iconic cricket venues: Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, and Oval Maidan.
Chief Minister Fadnavis has provided assurances to expedite these matters. According to President Naik, "CM has assured us to look into the issue. And he also shared his vision to build a world class international stadium with a capacity of one lakh in the MMR region."
Additionally, the MCA requested permission to create spectator-friendly mound galleries at the Bandra Kurla Complex Ground to improve viewing facilities for domestic and women's cricket matches. The BKC ground currently lacks proper spectator areas, relying on makeshift arrangements for first-class cricket.
The outcome of these requests will significantly impact Mumbai's cricketing infrastructure and the preservation of its rich sporting heritage.
