Roshanara Club, the Birthplace of BCCI in 1928, likely to be sealed as DDA doesn't renew lease

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The iconic Roshanara Club in Delhi, the birthplace of the national cricket body, BCCI, is likely to face closure soon. It is indeed a melancholy occasion as the iconic Club stares into a bleak future.

As per reports, this historic club, which has been the epicenter of many milestone developments in Indian Cricket, is unfortunately anticipated to be sealed off by September 29 as the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) hasn't followed up on lease renewal.

As per reports, the iconic club, which is located in north Delhi's Shakti Nagar, has two different parcels of land but the lease of both expired in 2012 and 2017 respectively.

The matter sealing the club had been in a local court since the expiry of the lease. But the High Court, earlier this year, had asked DDA to not take any coercive measure and stayed the order. But seems the DDA has decided to go ahead with its plan.

On Thursday (September 28), a journalist shared the image of the club on X, formerly known as Twitter, and its neighbouring area and claimed the staff at the club is anxious as it is not aware of their, as well as the club's future.

Roshanara Club - The Birthplace of BCCI

Born in the 1920s, the idea of having a national body for cricket was initiated from this glorious venue. Consequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) came into existence here in 1928.

The pivotal role that the Roshanara Club holds in the annals of Indian cricket history is due to its immense contribution to the establishment of BCCI. When cricket was in its infancy in India and struggled for an authoritative governing body, it was at this Club that the BCCI was conceptualized and formalized.

On December 4, 1928, different cricket clubs and associations from across the country congregated at Roshanara Club to form the BCCI, making this club the crucible of the Indian cricket administration.

Over the years, the club has hosted scores of senior and age-group domestic fixtures and has served as a training facility for IPL teams, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when matches were held in a bubble.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) heavily relied on the Club for hosting off-season camps and selection programs. It not only has a rich cricketing legacy but was also equipped for other sports like tennis, squash, table tennis, and swimming, rendering it a much-loved venue for sports enthusiasts.

The Club also doubled as a social hot spot witnessing countless gatherings of families and cricketing legends. Fetching a cup of hot tea and indulging in a game of cricket on a chilly winter morning was a common sight at the Club. As the day transpired into the evening, it became a hub for family members engaged in the popular game of tambola.

The probable sealing of the Roshanara Club is indeed a dark day in the history of India's cricketing landscape. The venue that has long stood as a testament to India's cricketing journey from its grassroots level to international acclaim looks into the face of an uncertain future.

As we stare at the sealing of the iconic club with heavy hearts, one hopes for a resolution that would uphold its legacy and honour its contribution to Indian cricket. In a few days' time, India will be hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and it will be only fitting a tribute to this club if the sealing drive is stayed for good.