22 September,2026 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at last year’s Dasara rally
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has opposed the proposed Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan and Cross Maidan, saying both grounds are already booked for cricket during the October 18-20 period.
In a letter to Maharashtra Sports Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol dated September 21, the MCA said the maidans are earmarked for scheduled matches, tournaments and other cricketing activities and that it cannot issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the proposed event.
[popcorn number="Sept 21" desc="Day MCA wrote a letter to state sports principal secretary" class="Default"]
The association also raised concerns that a large public event could damage pitches, outfields and practice areas, while the movement of heavy vehicles, installation of temporary structures and large crowds could make restoration time-consuming and costly.
People attending the Dasara rally. Pics/Atul Kamble
The MCA said large public events involve temporary structures, heavy vehicles, sound and electrical equipment and significant footfall, all of which could affect pitches, outfields and practice areas. "The proposed event, by its very nature, is likely to involve the installation of temporary structures, movement of heavy vehicles, sound and electrical equipment, and significant public footfall. Such activities inevitably pose a risk to the playing surfaces, including pitches, outfields and practice areas," as per the MCA letter. The association said the grounds already face substantial wear during the cricket season and require continuous maintenance to remain match-ready.
The MCA said restoring cricket grounds after large public events can require specialised maintenance, manpower and additional expenditure.
"Repairing pitches and restoring playing surfaces often requires considerable manpower, specialised maintenance efforts and financial expenditure. More importantly, the resulting disruption can directly impact the cricket calendar and the interests of hundreds of players and affiliated clubs who depend on these grounds," as per the MCA letter.
The association said there was "neither any requirement nor any justification" from its perspective for making the grounds available for non-sporting activities during the cricket season.
The MCA has asked the Sports and Youth Services Department to reconsider the permission. It has also sought a broader system for future non-sporting events on grounds regularly used for MCA cricket. "The MCA has consistently worked towards preservation, maintenance and development of these historic sporting venues. Protecting these grounds from avoidable damage is essential not only for the conduct of cricket but also for safeguarding an important sporting legacy of the city. We therefore seek your immediate intervention and request that the permission granted for the proposed Dussehra Mela be reviewed in the larger interest of cricket and the protection of sporting infrastructure," said Prof Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar, Secretary, MCA.
>> Proposed event: Dussehra rally
>> Proposed dates: October 18-20
>> Venues: Azad Maidan and Cross Maidan
>> MCA position: No NOC
>> Reason: Grounds already committed to cricket activities
>> Main concern: Damage to playing surfaces and disruption to the cricket calendar
"At the outset, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) wishes to place on record its inability to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the proposed event, as both maidans are already earmarked for scheduled cricket matches and tournaments forming part of the MCA's approved cricket calendar. The grounds are therefore required for ongoing and planned cricket activities during the said period," as per the MCA letter.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Arun Sawant said, "We have made applications to a few grounds/venues for holding our annual rally. Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, along with Worli Dome and Goregaon Exhibition Centre, are on our list. The final venue will be decided taking into consideration the rain and other factors," said Arun Sawant, Shiv Sena spokesperson. Asked about the MCA's objection, Sawant said: "We are not aware of any such letter, and so our concerned office-bearers looking after the ground/venue bookings will respond to this once we get a copy of the letter."
Nadim Memon, MCA Maidan Secretary and Apex Council member, said the grounds were essential to the association's cricketing commitments. "We got to know from the Maharashtra Sports Department that the Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction wants to hold its annual Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan and Cross Maidan. The Mumbai Cricket Association has decided not to give a No Objection Certificate for the same, as we have a packed cricket calendar, and organising such rallies, melavas or events on the historic grounds can damage the grounds."
