The ‘popular’ Air India Ground in Santa Cruz in Mumbai, which has been home to many Team India players like Prithvi Shaw, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dubey, may no longer be available to aspiring cricketers. This has put the future of around 1000 talented cricketers in jeopardy. The ground is inside a sports complex owned by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL). It was taken over by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) last year.
On Wednesday, 13 July 2022, MIAL warned of “legal consequences” for any activity at the site. Around 1,000 cricketers train here in about 60 nets. This ground is also a favorite destination for morning walks for those living nearby. The second nearest ground from this place is Cross Maidan in South Mumbai, which is about 22 kms away from it.
In a letter addressed to Air India Regional Director Ravi Bodhade, MIAL said, “Please note that the land of the Sports Complex has been given to MIAL by AAI and we have taken possession of it.” No activity of any kind is allowed on this land. If any force is used to use the land, MIAL will take legal action by exercising its powers.
The letter also said that the Deputy Commissioner of Police Zone VIII has also been informed in this regard as a precautionary measure to avoid any breach of peace. When asked for comment on the company’s plans for the land, a MIAL spokesperson did not respond to text messages and calls from The Indian Express.
It is the only cricket ground in the suburb with a 70-yard boundary. Regular matches are held here in the evening under the light of floodlights. It has been used for training by other Ranji Trophy players from Mumbai including Sachin Tendulkar’s son and former India Under-19 player Arjun Tendulkar.
In this matter, former India opener Wasim Jaffer said, ‘The field has been a pipeline for future cricketers. Players like Prithvi Shaw and Yashasvi Jaiswal have emerged from that ground. If there is no activity on that ground, then that pipeline will be closed.
Former Air India fast bowler Ashutosh Dubey said, “There are 62 net sessions which go on daily here. At the same time, this complex also has facilities for shooting, table tennis, tennis and badminton. This ground connects the people of western and central suburbs.
Jwala Singh, who runs the MCC Cricket Academy on this ground, says, “I have coaching centers in other places as well, but there are many people whose lives depend on this ground. Many coaches make money from coaching here. This is not only for cricket, but for other sports as well.
“It is the only proper ground in the suburbs of Mumbai,” he said. Recently, former Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas gave tips to players at a coaching clinic at Jwala Singh’s academy. When the premises were found locked on Wednesday evening, many people gathered in protest. After this the police had to intervene.
Local resident Prakash Shetty said, “We called the police. They wanted to see the order which states that the general public cannot use it. The ground is used by many players for their fitness routine. Earlier also, GVK, which was managing the Mumbai airport, had tried to shut the ground, but we protested and the matter was resolved.