Mysuru: The University of Mysore and Karnataka State Cricket Association who had signed an MoU to develop Maharaja Cricket ground a year back, didn’t take up the work owing to pressure from various quarters including B PEd and M PEd students but all of a sudden, the renovation which was taken up few months ago is yet again in news for allegedly violating University Act.
During the syndicate meeting held on June 22, Kumar, one of the syndicate members raised the issue that University of Mysore had violated the rule by leasing Maharaja Ground to KSCA. The statutes do not permit the university to lease out its properties to anyone without prior approval from government. It can also be brought to the notice that when the MoU issue was taken up in the meeting many including few physical education directors opposed the proposal for giving the ground for lease to KSCA.
Soon after University of Mysore signed memorandum of understanding with Karnataka State Cricket Association to develop century old Maharaja Cricket Ground into a fully fledged one on the lines of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Ground, many students, sports persons, general public, organisations, those pursuing BP Ed and MP Ed course at Department of Physical Education, UoM opposed the move and even submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner requesting to interfere and stop the proposed move citing that the ground was multifaceted wherein many sports events are conducted. Many times it has become a makeshift football and even hockey ground. The inter collegiate handball and baseball tournaments are conducted in this venue. Few months ago, University of Mysore which conducted south zone inter university women’s hockey tournament also made use of this ground as makeshift hockey ground. Once it is handed over to KSCA, apart from cricket no other game can be played here. The MoU between UoM and KSCA was signed at Crawford Hall on June 22, 2016. UoM has given Maharaja ground for 23 years’ lease to KSCA.
Maharaja’s College former principal Nagarajmurthy and Administrative Officer Vasanth had also mentioned that due to opposition from students and various organisations against the MoU for renovation of Maharaja’s Cricket Ground, the university was thinking of dropping the project but all of a sudden the project was taken.
As part of the agreement, KSCA is to come out with 10 turf wickets, 5 for match purpose and five for practice; the outfield will have grass; ground will have chain link fencing around it; a suitable pavilion and office near the overhead tank. There was also a proposal to construct suitable spectator’s gallery all around the cricket ground. Already as part of renovation work , KSCA had come out with iron fencing, were doing ground work and preparation was in full swing to put grass.
Bharathi, Registrar of UoM said, “The decision proceeding of syndicate meeting should be signed by Vice Chancellor who is on leave. The decision probably will be taken on June 26 or 27.”
