Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Padel Court Proposal Challenges Khar Gymkhana’s Cricket Ground Legacy
Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai is thinking about building padel courts on its cricket ground.
Some members support adding a new sport to the club.
Other members say the courts would take away space needed for cricket.
They are especially worried about competitive matches and tournaments.
The cricket ground has been part of the club’s 92-year history.
It is also described as one of the few open spaces in suburban Mumbai.
The managing committee is studying the proposal and has not made a final decision.
The disagreement is especially noticeable because Gymkhana elections are scheduled for September.
Khar Gymkhana is considering building padel courts on space currently used as a cricket ground.
Opponents say the courts would make the ground unsuitable for competitive cricket matches.
The ground hosts the Kanga League, Govardhandas Shield, and Bhagubhai Khichadia Shield tournaments.
The proposal has not received a final decision from the managing committee.
Opponents have questioned whether construction would comply with the ground’s lease and open-playground status.
- Who
- Khar Gymkhana’s managing committee and members, including opponent Abhijeet Deolekar.
- What
- A proposal to construct padel courts on an open space currently used as a cricket ground.
- When
- The debate follows a special general body meeting held a few months ago; Gymkhana elections are scheduled for September.
- Where
- Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai’s western suburbs.
- Why
- Supporters of the proposal see the cricket ground as available open space, while opponents want to preserve competitive cricket and the ground’s legacy.
Opponents of the Courts
Proponents of the Proposal
Use of the Cricket Ground
Opponents of the Courts
Building padel courts would alter the ground and make it unsuitable for competitive cricket matches.
Proponents of the Proposal
The proposal treats the cricket ground as open space that could accommodate padel courts.
Sporting Priorities
Opponents of the Courts
The club should preserve cricket while welcoming new sports in spaces that do not displace existing competition facilities.
Proponents of the Proposal
Padel should be allowed to come to the Gymkhana alongside the club’s other sports.
Construction Permission
Opponents of the Courts
Opponents question whether a permanent court platform would be permitted under the ground’s lease documents.
Proponents of the Proposal
The article does not provide a detailed public response from supporters or the managing committee on this legal concern.
- Gymkhana membership
- More than 4,000 members
- Ground history
- The Gymkhana has a 92-year-old cricketing legacy
- Proposed facility
- Padel courts
- Cricket competitions
- Kanga League, Govardhandas Shield, and Bhagubhai Khichadia Shield
- Decision status
- The managing committee has not taken a final decision
- Legal concern
- Opponents say the ground may belong to the BMC or collector and may be demarcated as an open playground
- Election timing
- Gymkhana elections are scheduled for September