MCA seeks land for setting up Residential Women’s Cricket Academy in Mumbai

The Mumbai Cricket Association has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking land in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to set up a Residential Women’s Cricket Academy with world-class facilities to support training, accommodation and development of women cricketers

Hyderabad: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President, Ajinkya Naik, has formally written to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, requesting the allocation of a suitable plot of land within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the establishment of a dedicated Residential Women’s Cricket Academy.

The proposed academy aims to serve as a centre of excellence for women’s cricket, offering world-class facilities including a ground, indoor practice areas, gymnasium, physiotherapy and sports medicine support, residential accommodation, and academic classrooms. The facility will provide a centralised training and accommodation environment to help women cricketers focus on their overall game and development.

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Currently, women players in Mumbai face logistical challenges and travel long distances across the city and suburbs for practice sessions. The proposed residential setup will address these difficulties by providing a single integrated space for training, recovery and education.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister felicitated the Women’s World Cup-winning players and support staff from Mumbai and Maharashtra — Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Head Coach Amol Muzumdar, Bowling Coach Aavishkar Salvi, and support staff members Mamta Shirsulla and Purva Kate — appreciating their contribution to Indian cricket and their inspiration to young women cricketers across the state.

Padmashri Diana Edulji was also present at the discussion.

“The Mumbai Cricket Association has always been committed to advancing cricket infrastructure and nurturing talent across all levels. Establishing a dedicated Residential Women’s Cricket Academy will be a major step forward in empowering women cricketers and strengthening Maharashtra’s leadership in promoting women’s sports,” MCA President Mr Ajinkya Naik said on Friday.

The MCA has expressed its readiness to invest in the development of this facility and manage its operations on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring that the focus remains on player welfare and talent development.

This landmark proposal aligns with the MCA’s continued efforts to create a stronger, more inclusive cricketing ecosystem — one that provides equal opportunities and world-class infrastructure to both men and women cricketers from Mumbai and adjoining regions.