MCA Offers to Maintain and Develop Shivaji Park Ground in Dadar at Own Cost
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has approached the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation seeking permission to undertake the development and maintenance of the historic Shivaji Park ground in Dadar at its own cost.
In a letter addressed to the municipal commissioner, MCA president Ajinkya Naik highlighted the ground's heritage and its pivotal role in shaping generations of Mumbai cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli under the tutelage of the late Ramakant Achrekar. The association proposed to preserve and conserve the venue for future generations while complying fully with civic rules, conditions, and procedures.
A BMC G-North ward official confirmed that the proposal is currently under consideration and a decision will be taken soon. The civic body has been managing water sprinkling to curb suspended red soil dust, an issue that has drawn ongoing complaints from local residents. Earlier this year, civic efforts faced criticism after a contractor used high-pressure hoses connected to water tankers instead of controlled sprinkling, causing slush on the pitches. The official noted that the MCA could potentially take charge of dust mitigation measures and the rainwater harvesting system.
Former India batsman Pravin Amre, who serves as president of Shivaji Park Gymkhana, welcomed the MCA's proposal. He noted that Shivaji Park serves as the nursery of Indian cricket but club cricket has faced major disruptions in recent years. According to Amre, non-club players occupying the grounds for tennis-ball cricket on weekends and bank holidays have prevented MCA from conducting its official local tournament matches during the cricket season.
Amre also pointed out that public rallies and political meetings at the ground leave behind pits and poles, which pose injury risks to players. He stated that the MCA has the necessary resources to restore and maintain the ground after such events, offering much-needed support to the local clubs operating on civic leases.
