MUMBAI: The Maharashtra state cabinet on Monday approved allotment of a 2,000 sq m plot at Bandra reclamation to former India and current Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane to develop a cricket academy. The plot was originally allotted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for setting up an indoor training academy, but the cricket legend returned it to the state govt in May 2022.
According to a Maharashtra cabinet note in TOI's possession, Rahane has been given the land parcel on lease for 30 years. The note states 15% of trainees at Rahane's cricket academy must be underprivileged children, and construction of the academy must be completed within two years of Rahane getting possession of the land.
"Mumbai BJP president and Bandra MLA Ashish Shelar (also BCCI treasurer) had taken up the issue of Rahane wanting land for his academy with Mhada and CM Eknath Shinde and written to govt authorities about this. Following Shelar's letter, Mhada passed a resolution," a source told TOI.
An official said, "Earlier this plot was allotted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor cricket training centre. But since no work was done on the plot, the govt has taken it back. The current condition of the plot is bad. Mhada then passed a resolution."
A delighted Rahane posted on X: "Thank you... for supporting my vision of a worldclass cricket academy & sports facility in Mumbai. his academy will empower young sportspersons with top-notch facilities & guidance, fostering the next generation of champions in the city..."
