‘Unutilised’ by Sunil Gavaskar, Mumbai plot leased to Ajinkya Rahane for sports complex

In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra government has allotted a 2,000 square metre plot in Bandra, originally leased to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, to Ajinkya Rahane. The state cabinet approved the transfer, with Rahane set to develop a state-of-the-art sports complex on the land, marking a new chapter in the plot’s long and dormant history.

Sunil Gavaskar unused plot reallocated

The prime piece of land, located in one of Mumbai’s most affluent neighbourhoods, was initially leased to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 with the intention of establishing an indoor cricket academy. Despite these ambitious plans, the plot remained unused for over 30 years. As a result, the Maharashtra government decided to reclaim the land and pass it on to Ajinkya Rahane, another iconic figure in Indian cricket Team, who has committed to building a sports facility as per Times of India.

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) was instrumental in this reallocation, passing a resolution to lease the land to Rahane for the next 30 years. The decision, approved by the council of ministers, is seen as a significant step towards revitalising the land that had fallen into disrepair over the years.

New vision for Bandra by Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane’s plans for the Bandra plot are ambitious and timely. The cricketer is expected to develop a world-class sports complex, providing athletes with top-notch training facilities in the heart of Mumbai.

The land, which had reportedly been occupied by slum dwellers and unauthorised activities during its unutilised years, will now serve a greater purpose for the city’s sports community.

Sunil Gavaskar legacy and transfer

The plot was initially granted to Sunil Gavaskar with the hope that an indoor cricket academy would be built. However, the legend faced several challenges that led to the delay in development. In 2021, former state Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad highlighted the issue, stating, “The plot was given specifically for a cricket academy, and it has not been utilised for its intended purpose.”

Recognising Sunil Gavaskar’s contribution to Indian cricket, the government did not cancel the lease outright for many years. However, in May 2022, the Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Foundation Trust formally returned the plot to the state government, signalling the end of Gavaskar’s plans for the land.

Ajinkya Rahane vision for future

With the land now in Ajinkya Rahane’s hands, the focus shifts to his plans for the future. Rahane’s commitment to sports development has been well-known, and his vision for this plot promises to bring a world-class facility to Mumbai’s sports landscape. The complex is expected to cater not only to cricketers but to athletes across various disciplines, providing them with a platform to train and develop their skills.

As Mumbai eagerly awaits the transformation of this once-forgotten land, Rahane’s sports complex could play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Indian athletes. The city, known for its passion for cricket and sports, now looks forward to the realisation of a vision that has been decades in the making.