Delhi’s Iconic Roshanara Club Likely to be Sealed

Delhi’s iconic Roshanara Club is likely to be sealed on September 29 as the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) hasn’t renewed its lease. It is learnt that the venue, where the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formed as a society back in 1928, will be sealed in the early hours of September 29.

“Yes, it’s sad but true. Iconic Roshanara Club, well and truly the mecca of cricket in the capital, could be sealed tomorrow morning, around 6 am, as the DDA hasn’t renewed the lease of the premise. It is well and truly a dark day because the BCCI was formed as a society here and so many major discussions with regards to Indian cricket have taken place here,” says a source close to developments.

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Many senior and age-group domestic fixtures have been played at the venue in the past and it also served as a training facility for IPL teams when the tournament was played inside a bubble during COVID-19. For years, it remained as Delhi and District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) go to place to hold off season and selection camps too.

“There is so much history involved with the venue. It has hosted so many memorable and close First Class matches, numerous nail-biting age group matches and for years has hosted off-season and training camps for Delhi teams. It was a common sight to see the Delhi selectors warming under the winter sun and picking various teams at Roshanara,” adds the source.

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There was a period in Delhi cricket where the association hosted their must-win fixtures of Ranji Trophy at the Roshanara because of its lively surface and even the best in the business have struggled here. The facility continued to retain the old-world charm for years and also had infrastructure for various other sports like tennis, squash, table tennis and swimming.

It’s a common sight to spot former India and Delhi cricketers enjoying hot tea in the premises on a chilly winter morning and then indulging in a game of cricket. In the evening hours, it would translate into a buzzing zone for families who would spend hours in the game of tambola.