KSCA seeks 50 acres from MUDA in Mangaluru to build cricket facilities

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has sought 50 acres of government land in Mangaluru in a letter dated October 1 to Santosh Kumar Shetty, chairperson of the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), KSCA honorary president B. K. Venkatesh Prasad wrote. The letter requested that the land be allotted either on an outright purchase basis or on a 50-year lease.

In the letter, KSCA said it would use the site exclusively for promoting and developing cricket and stressed the need for facilities in the city. “Mangaluru being a district headquarters, there is necessity to have adequate cricketing infrastructure and cricketing facilities to cater to the need of budding cricketers to showcase their potential talent...” Mr. Prasad stated. The association set out an intention to complete essential infrastructure in a phased manner once possession is granted.

“...KSCA assures that, upon allotment and possession of the land, the association will undertake phased development to complete all essential infrastructure, such as drainage system, practice facilities, and other basic amenities, within a period of three years...” Mr. Prasad wrote. The letter lists drainage, practice facilities and other basic amenities among the works KSCA plans to deliver during that three-year period. KSCA also reiterated that the land would be dedicated exclusively to cricket promotion and development.

KSCA said the completed facilities would benefit young and budding sportsmen from Mangaluru and contiguous areas and provide improved playing and training opportunities. “KSCA is hopeful that the near future would witness the presence of national and international players from these areas...” He said that the proposed project will play a transformative role in strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. The letter framed the project as a means to expand access to quality cricket facilities locally.

Mr. Prasad wrote that KSCA intends to work with the state government on the project and described the planned complex in aspirational terms. “KSCA remains committed to partnering with the government of Karnataka in achieving the objectives, and ensuring that the proposed facility becomes a Centre of Excellence for cricket development...” Mr. Prasad said that, presently, more than 40% of the State’s team consists of players from moffusil districts of Karnataka. The KSCA needs to identify this talent and give them a platform to perform, he added.

On the terms of allotment, Mr. Prasad reiterated KSCA’s preference and sought a concessional rate. “We request you to kindly allot the land either on a purchase basis or a long-lease basis. For both the options, we request you to kindly give us your lowest rates normally offered to education and sports organisations,” Mr. Prasad stated. The letter was addressed to MUDA’s chairperson for consideration.

In the October 1 letter to MUDA, KSCA formally requested either an outright sale or a 50-year lease of 50 acres at the lowest rates normally granted to education and sports organisations, and set a three-year completion target for essential infrastructure after possession.