New pitches, fresh opportunities at Azad Maidan

Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik inaugurates newly prepared pitches at Azad Maidan; MCA Apex Council members Nadim Memon, Neil Savant and Sandeep Vichare (with cap) are present on the occasion

Mumbai's iconic Azad Maidan is ready with eight newly prepared pitches, which were inaugurated by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik ahead of Sunday's Dr HD Kanga Cricket League matches.

The new pitches will be available for MCA-affiliated tournaments, providing players with improved facilities and greater playing opportunities at one of the city's most historic venues. As part of the initiative, the MCA has also provided heavy rollers, grass-cutting machines and tents to the respective plot-holders to support the maintenance and development of the ground.

"Azad Maidan has been one of the pillars of Mumbai cricket and has produced generations of outstanding cricketers. The opening of these eight newly prepared pitches is another step towards providing better facilities and playing opportunities to our cricketers," Naik said after the inauguration.

MCA Apex Council members Nadim Memon, Sandeep Vichare and Neil Savant were also present.

"We are giving top-class pitches and equipment to our clubs and plot-holders. Now it's up to the players to use them to enhance their performance," Memon, who is also a BCCI curator, told mid-day on Sunday.