Archive · 14 Nov 2025
MCA Seeks Wankhede Lease Renewal, Reclaiming Azad Maidan Land
Imagine cricket fields are like playgrounds for kids.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) asked the state's leader to let them keep using their main playground, Wankhede Stadium, for a longer time.
They also asked if they could get back a big part of another playground, Azad Maidan, which was taken away to build a subway for trains.
This part of Azad Maidan used to be where lots of cricket games happened, but now it's smaller and many old cricket clubs can't play there anymore.
The MCA wants to bring back games to these historic spots.
The leader said he would look into these requests and help make things happen faster.
They also want to add better seats for people to watch games at another ground.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has formally requested the Maharashtra government to renew the lease for Wankhede Stadium.
MCA also seeks to reclaim portions of Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, and Oval Maidan currently used for metro construction.
Over half of Azad Maidan was taken for an underground metro station eight years ago, reducing its capacity and halting activities for historic clubs.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik highlighted the importance of these grounds for nurturing cricketers and hosting matches.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured MCA officials that he would expedite the resolution of these pending issues.
- Who
- Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials, led by President Ajinkya Naik, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
- What
- MCA requested the renewal of leases for Wankhede Stadium and other cricket grounds, and sought to reclaim land at Azad Maidan used for metro construction. They also proposed spectator-friendly galleries at the BKC Ground.
- When
- The Apex Council of MCA met CM Fadnavis on a Friday morning.
- Where
- The meeting took place in Maharashtra.
- Why
- To address pending lease renewals, secure land for cricket, and improve spectator facilities.
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)
Maharashtra Government
Lease Renewal
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)
MCA requests renewal of the lease for Wankhede Stadium and other cricket grounds.
Maharashtra Government
The Maharashtra government has assured MCA of expediting pending lease issues.
Azad Maidan Land Use
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)
MCA wants to reclaim parts of Azad Maidan, taken over for metro construction, to resume cricketing activities and host more matches.
Maharashtra Government
The land was taken over for the construction of an underground metro station, significantly reducing the ground's capacity and usage.
- Organizations Involved
- Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Maharashtra Government
- Key Locations
- Wankhede Stadium, Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, Oval Maidan, Bandra Kurla Complex Ground
- Pending Issues
- Lease renewal for Wankhede Stadium and other grounds, reclamation of Azad Maidan land for cricket
- Impact of Metro Construction
- Over 50% of Azad Maidan was taken for metro, reducing capacity by half and halting cricketing activities for some clubs.
- MCA Proposals
- Reclaim Azad Maidan plots, create mound galleries at BKC Ground