The Maharashtra government has approved the transfer of a 2,000 square meter plot in the prestigious Bandra area of Mumbai to cricketer Ajinkya Rahane on a 30-year lease. The land, which is intended for the development of a state-of-the-art sports complex, was originally allotted to legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for the purpose of setting up an indoor cricket training academy. However, the plot remained unused for more than 30 years, prompting the government to reclaim the land due to the lack of development and its deteriorating condition.
The decision to hand over the land to Ajinkya Rahane was made by the Maharashtra cabinet on September 23, 2024. A proposal put forth by the Revenue Department, seeking approval for the land transfer, was cleared by the cabinet. The new lease, granted to Rahane for 30 years, aims to promote sports by developing modern facilities that could benefit athletes across various disciplines.
According to official sources, the land had fallen into disuse and had been occupied by slum dwellers for unauthorized activities. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) took action and passed a resolution to lease the plot to Rahane, which was later approved by the council of ministers. The government stated that it hopes the new sports complex will foster athletic talent and contribute to the growth of sports infrastructure in Mumbai.
This decision is seen as a significant step toward repurposing unused public land for constructive purposes, especially in light of Rahane’s active involvement in promoting sports and nurturing young talent. The planned sports complex will provide athletes with world-class training facilities, further boosting India’s sporting potential. The Maharashtra government, through this initiative, has highlighted its commitment to improving sports infrastructure in the state while recognizing the contributions of key figures like Ajinkya Rahane in inspiring the next generation of athletes.
This land transfer marks an important shift in the use of prime land in Mumbai, ensuring it serves a productive purpose. With Rahane’s involvement, the project is expected to advance quickly, offering much-needed facilities and providing a platform for aspiring sportspeople to excel in their respective fields. The sports complex will likely become a hub for various sporting activities, benefiting both local and national athletes in the years to come.
