Maharashtra government allots Bandra plot unutilised by Sunil Gavaskar to cricketer Ajinkya Rahane

NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra cabinet has given the green light for the transfer of a 2,000 square meter plot of land in Mumbai's affluent Bandra area to cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane will lease the land to develop a top-notch sports complex.Originally, the plot was allocated to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor training academy. Despite the plan, Gavaskar could not utilize the plot for over 30 years.As per an official statement, the Revenue Department's proposal to lease the land to Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane for 30 years was approved by the Maharashtra cabinet. A Cabinet note highlighted that Gavaskar's earlier allotment was meant for an indoor cricket academy. However, due to a lack of activity, the government reclaimed the land.The land is reportedly in poor condition, as it has been used by slum dwellers for various unauthorized activities.MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) passed a resolution to lease the plot to Rahane. The resolution received the council of ministers' approval.Former state Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad in 2021 brought attention to the plot's non-utilization by 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.Awhad emphasized that the plot was given to Gavaskar specifically for a cricket academy. He should have utilized it for the intended purpose.In May 2022, the Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Foundation Trust returned the plot to the state government after Gavaskar decided he could no longer use it.