(File photo) Cricket was often restricted to the corners of Azad Maidan when Metro work was on
Sixteen out of the 22 clubs there were affected by the project, including prominent ones like Parsee Cyclists, Baronet, John Bright, Bohra Cricketers and Navroz. once the project began, the capacity got reduced to nearly half While the maidan catered to 22 games at a time. The eight MCA-affiliated clubs at the Azad Maidan once again have their cricket pitches back in playing condition after 9 long years of Metro rail work.
Our focus is to provide better facilities and support maidan clubs to nurture the next generation of cricketers,” Ajinkya Naik told TOI . Memon said, “Cricket is back at the Azad Maidan! The clubs to get pitches back are RBI, St Xavier’s, Young Friends Union, Young Muslim, Muslim United, Kila Court, Bohra Cricket Club and John Bright. Azad Maidan is effectively the breeding ground of Mumbai cricket. Many significant tournaments, like the Harris and Giles Shield (inter-school), the Kanga League, and the Times Shield, are held on this ground. From the iconic Sachin Tendulkar to the likes of Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan, many of Mumbai’s top batters have honed their skills at the Azad Maidan. “We have always believed in strengthening grassroots cricket, as it is the foundation of Mumbai cricket. It’s a proud and emotional moment for all the Mumbaikars and cricket-lovers. It is truly a dream come true for Mumbai cricket. After the completion of Metro works, the challenge of restoring and developing the cricket pitches and outfield was enormous. The ground was completely covered with debris and construction material, making the task extremely difficult. Through the hard work, dedication and continuous efforts of the MCA maidan committee, ground staff and all those involved, the pitches and outfield have been brought back to a standard where cricket can once again be played.”
