Ajinkya Rahane to Develop State-of-the-Art Sports Complex on Reclaimed Bandra Plot

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the transfer of a 2,000 square meter land parcel in Bandra, Mumbai, on lease to cricketer Ajinkya Rahane for developing a sports complex. Initially allotted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor training academy, the plot was reclaimed due to non-utilization and poor condition.

The Maharashtra cabinet has sanctioned a significant move to lease a 2,000 square meter plot in Bandra, Mumbai, to renowned cricketer Ajinkya Rahane for the development of a modern sports complex. This plot was initially allocated to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for establishing an indoor training academy, a project which remained dormant for over 30 years.

The decision, approved by the Revenue Department, aims to revitalize the area and address the current poor condition of the plot, which had fallen into disrepair and misuse by local slum dwellers. The plot's reassignment to Rahane is expected to bring state-of-the-art sports facilities to this prime location.

The proposal received backing from MHADA and the council of ministers, following former state Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad's 2021 observations on the plot's non-utilization. Despite Gavaskar's initial plans and his significant contributions to cricket, the legend returned the land to the state government in May 2022.