Azad Maidan

This article is about the cricket grounds. For the monument, see Azad Maidan (monument).

Azad Maidan (formerly known as Bombay Gymkhana Maidan^[1]) is a triangular-shaped maidan (sports ground) in the city of Mumbai, India.^[2] It is located on 25 acres (10 ha) of land near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station.^[3] It is a regular venue for inter-school cricket matches. The name Azad means "liberty" in Persian.^[4] The ground is known for its cricket pitches,^[4] for protest meetings,^[5] and for political rallies.^[6] The Bombay Gymkhana clubhouse was built in 1875, at the southern end of the maidan.^[7] Every year, Sunni Annual Ijtema is held at Azad Maidan.

Net practice in session at Azad Maidan

History

The vast expanses of land of the Oval Maidan, Azad Maidan, Cooperage Ground and Cross Maidan until the early 20th century formed the area known as Esplanade.^[8]

Mahatma Gandhi addressed the largest ever political meeting at Azad Maidan in December 1931.^[9]

Cricket

The ground hosts twenty-two cricket pitches.^[10] The cricket pitches at the ground have produced many international cricketers. On 20 November 2013, Prithvi Shaw created history with 546 runs and in 1987 Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli shared a huge 664 run record partnership during a Harris Shield school match at Azad Maidan.^[11] In 2009, Sarfaraz Khan scored 439 runs in a Harris Shield match at Azad Maidan.^[12] Azad Maidan plays host to a number of cricket matches throughout the year, including Inter-School and Club matches.^{[citation needed]}

Other notable events

CM swearing-in ceremony

Mumbai's Azad Maidan, a historic ground known for hosting major political and public events, will witness yet another significant moment 05-12-2024 at 5:30 PM.^[13] The iconic venue, synonymous with freedom struggles and mass gatherings, continues to be a symbol of democratic traditions as it prepares to host the swearing-in ceremony amidst grand arrangements and tight security.^[14]

See also

• Azad Maidan riots
• Cross Maidan
• Oval Maidan