Maharashtra housing minister unhappy with Sunil Gavaskar over non-usage of Mumbai plot

Jitendra Awhad, the Housing Minister of Maharashtra, on Wednesday, September 15, expressed his dejection over former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar not utilising a plot allotted to him in Mumbai. The minister stated that the plot was allotted to set up a cricket academy and he had even thought of taking back the piece of land from the legendary batsman.

Awhad mentioned that the plot was allotted to him 30 years ago and it hasn’t been used for the required purpose. He also said that he didn’t take back the land, keeping in mind Gavaskar’s immense contributions to Indian cricket in his sojourn. The minister put forth his opinions in a series of tweets.

Back in 1986, the MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) had given the land on a lease to the Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Foundation Trust. However, not much progress has taken place on the project.

Sunil Gavaskar should make the best out of the plot, says Jitendra Awhad

“I had almost taken the decision to cancel the allotment of the 2,000 sq metre plot located in Bandra (East). Despite such a huge size and prime location, the proposed cricket academy has not yet come there. I did not cancel the allotment because of Gavaskar’s stature and his great contribution to the game,” Awhad wrote.

“I was ready to take the plot back along with MHADA (state-run housing agency) and utilise it for some good purpose,” he stated.

“Had it not been #sunilgavaskar as the housing minister, (I) would have cancelled the allotment I’m one who used to c god in #SunilGavaskar. Now at least he should make the best out of the plot. Can’t forget the day he was clean bowled by #PhilipsDefraitis and I left the stadium crying,” Awhad added.

Gavaskar remains one of the colossal figures in Indian cricket. The right-hander was the first man on the planet to score over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. He created the history back on March 7, 1987. In 125 Tests and 108 ODIs, Gavaskar scored over 13,000 runs with 35 centuries and 72 half-centuries. After retiring from cricket, the Little Master now weaves his magic as a commentator.