The Maharashtra government has opted to lease a 2,000-square-meter plot in Bandra, Mumbai, to Ajinkya Rahane for the development of a sports complex. The cabinet has approved a 30-year lease for this land.
In 1988, Sunil Gavaskar was assigned the space for the purpose of building an indoor practice stadium. However, it is claimed that the former captain of the Indian team was unable to construct the structure. In May of this year, the Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Foundation Trust handed the plot back to the state government.
It is understood that Rahane has been proposed a lease allotment by MHADA and approved by the cabinet. It further quoted the government as saying that the land has been in a bad state owing to the encroachment of slum dwellers.
Maharashtra Cabinet approves the proposal of giving 2000 Sq m Bandra plot to Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane to develop cricket academy. This plot given for 30 years lease. Earlier this plot was allotted to Sunil Gavaskar but he failed to develop so it has given to Mr Rahane.
— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) September 23, 2024
In response to the news, Rahane posted an Instagram Story expressing gratitude to the officials of the state of Maharashtra as well as the BCCI treasurer. Expanding on the agenda regarding the construction of the sports complex on the land allocated to him on rent, he claimed:
“This academy will empower young sportspersons with top-notch facilities & guidance, fostering the next generation of champions in the city where my own cricketing journey began.”
The 36-year-old recently enjoyed a successful run with Leicestershire in county cricket, which concluded due to some minor injuries.
Ajinkya Rahane is expected to captain Mumbai in the 2024 Irani Cup
The right-handed batsman has played 85 Test matches, 90 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 International matches for the country and is expected to captain the Ranji Trophy-winning Mumbai side in the Irani Cup fixture against Rest of India in 2024. Quoting sources from PTI, the match may also see the first-class return of all-rounder Shardul Thakur after his surgery.
In addition to Rahane, important Mumbai players such as Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian are expected to be available for the Irani Cup.
However, Sarfaraz Khan’s availability is uncertain as he is part of the Indian team for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, which runs from September 27 to October 1. The Irani Cup is set to take place from October 1 to October 5.
Thank you Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri @mieknathshinde ji, Deputy CMs Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji & Shri @AjitPawarSpeaks ji, and Shri @ShelarAshish ji, Treasurer BCCI, for supporting my vision of a world-class cricket academy & sports facility in Mumbai.
This academy will empower…
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) September 23, 2024
Rahane captained the Mumbai team that clinched the 2024 Ranji Trophy, defeating Vidarbha in the final at Wankhede Stadium. The middle-order batter scored just seven runs in the first innings but made a significant contribution of 73 in the second, helping Mumbai secure a 169-run victory.
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