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The Maharashtra government on Monday, September 24 approved the transfer of 2,000 square metre land in Bandra on lease to ace Indian batter, Ajinkya Rahane. However, Rahane has been out from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s scheme of things, he continues to feature in domestic as well as county cricket championships, along with providing aid to young and aspiring cricketers.
Ajinkya Rahane allotted Sunil Gavaskar’s old plot by Maharashtra government
In the wake of his interest to help the young cricketers, the Maharashtra government has allotted Rahane with a plot in Bandra to develop a sports complex. Earlier, the area was allotted to former Indian cricketer and legend, Sunil Gavaskar in order to setup an indoor training academy in 1988. Although Gavaskar could not foray the venture for more than 30 years, the plot was returned to the state government by the legend in May 2022.
As per the latest updates, Rahane has been allotted the land on a 30-year lease with the cricketer eyeing to provide state-of-the-art sports facility.
I did not cancel the allotment because of Gavaskar’s stature: Jitendra Awhad
While a resolution to hand over the plot on lease to Rahane was passed by the MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority), further approved by the council of ministers, former State Housing Minister, Jitendra Awhad opened up on his decision to not cancel Gavaskar’s allotment.
“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 earlier stated.
