23 September,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
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The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has opposed a proposed Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan and Cross Maidan, saying both grounds are already booked for cricket during the October 18-20 period, our report said.
In a letter to Maharashtra Sports Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol, 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.
We want maidans to be kept open for play, not for rallies and meetings. On the one hand, we are applauding the women's cricket team for winning gold at the Asian Games, while on the other, spaces meant for cricket/sports are re-purposed, even if temporarily, for meets/celebrations/festivals or some other non-sporting occasion.
Years ago, a Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) chairman had spoken to a reporter of this newspaper, stating that the infrastructure of the Mahalaxmi race course was disturbed when political parties, of any dispensation, pressure the RWITC to hand over the space for a day rally. This is just about the seating outside the race track, and yet the turf authorities found it challenging. Imagine, then, the damage to pitches, outfield and other areas to these maidans and surrounding infrastructure, as certain installations, even if temporary, are needed during these events and entail heavy vehicles entering the grounds.
Our open maidans/parks need to be kept open for play, and they were never meant for these meetings anyway. Let nobody even ask for these grounds; instead, celebrate the sports played on them and encourage our athletes.
