Unused By Sunil Gavaskar, Maharashtra Government Hands Over Plot To Ajinkya Rahane For Development Of Sports Complex

Former state housing minister Jitendra Awhad had in 2021 highlighted the non-utilisation of the plot by Sunil Gavaskar which has now been handed over to Ajinkya Rahane

The Maharashtra government has decided to hand over a 2,000 square metre plot in the Bandra region of Mumbai on lease to Ajinkya Rahane to develop a sports complex. It is pertinent to note that the plot was originally alloted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for setting up an indoor training academy. However, Gavaskar could not materalise the dream of a sporting facility at this space.

In addition, the government said that the plot is currently in poor condition with slum dwellers using it for unwarranted work. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) passed the resolution, approved by the council of ministers, to hand the over the plot on lease to Rahane.

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When Jitendra Awhad Highlighted The Non-Utilisation Of Plot By Gavaskar

Former state housing minister Jitendra Awhad had in 2021 highlighted the non-utilisation of the plot by the ex-India cricketer Gavaskar.

"I had almost decided to cancel the allotment of the 2,000 sq metre plot located in Bandra. Despite its huge size and prime location, the proposed cricket academy has not yet been established. I did not cancel the allotment because of Gavaskar's stature and his great contribution to the game," Awhad had stated earlier.

The plot, unutilised by the Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Foundation Trust, was returned to the state government by the 1983 World Cup-winner in May 2022.

Ajinkya Rahane To Lead Mumbai In Irani Cup

On the cricketing front, Rahane will be leading Mumbai in the Irani Cup. With India not looking at him as well as Cheteshwar Pujara for the home Test series against Bangladesh, it will be extremely difficult for them to make a space for himself in the national team.

Having said that, Rahane led Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy title earlier this year and will now be looking to take his team an Irani Cup title against the Rest of India side.