The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has urged the Maharashtra government to allot a suitable parcel of land within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to establish a dedicated residential academy for women cricketers. The proposed facility aims to promote gender equity in sports and create a sustainable training ecosystem for emerging talent across the state.
The proposal follows India’s recent success in women’s international cricket, which has fuelled calls for stronger grassroots development and professional infrastructure for women athletes. According to officials, the academy would serve as a centre of excellence offering training, education, and holistic development facilities under one roof. In a formal communication to the state government, the association outlined its vision for a purpose-built residential campus featuring turf grounds, indoor practice areas, fitness and physiotherapy units, classrooms, and accommodation. The idea, officials said, is to ensure women players—many of whom travel long distances for practice—can train in a secure, inclusive, and professionally managed environment.
“Currently, women players commute from across Mumbai and its suburbs for regular practice sessions. This often leads to fatigue, safety concerns, and logistical challenges. A residential setup will resolve these constraints, enabling focused training and overall development,” an official from the association said. The proposed academy aligns with broader efforts to make sports infrastructure in metropolitan areas more inclusive and accessible. Urban planners and gender equity advocates have long highlighted the need for equitable sporting spaces that prioritise women’s participation and safety. “Creating residential sports academies for women represents a shift from token inclusion to long-term institutional support,” said a sports development expert.
Industry observers note that such an academy could serve as a model for other Indian cities where access to quality sporting infrastructure for women remains limited. Establishing the facility within MMR would also ensure strong connectivity to the city’s transport network, allowing young players from neighbouring districts to participate in programmes without major travel barriers. The MCA’s initiative, if approved, would represent a milestone in Mumbai’s evolution as a more inclusive sporting city — complementing the government’s wider urban development goals of equitable access, skill enhancement, and youth empowerment.
As women’s cricket continues to gain global visibility, the proposed academy could become a key part of Mumbai’s sporting landscape, fostering both talent and social inclusion in one of India’s most dynamic urban regions.
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