Pune, April 6, 2026: The historic Poona Club Limited marked a major milestone in its sporting journey with the grand opening of its newly developed world-class sand cricket ground and inauguration, in the presence of legendary cricketers and distinguished guests.
The ceremony was attended by cricket icon Kapil Dev, former India stalwart Chandu Borde along with eminent personalities including Shubhangi Kulkarni, Milind Gunjal and Shrikant Kalyani.
The refurbished facility features a modern sand pitch, ensuring superior playing conditions, excellent drainage and year-round ease of use, putting it on par with leading cricket venues.
The development was guided by former Indian cricketer Abey Kuruvilla with the bowling expertise of BCCI curator Prakash Adhav. Rishikesh Kanitkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad also made valuable contributions.
Speaking on the occasion, President Gaurav Gadhoke said, “Today marks a proud and defining moment for Poona Club. This ground is not just an infrastructure upgrade, it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the spirit and future of cricket. With the guidance of stalwarts and the support of our members, we have created a facility that blends tradition with modern excellence. The presence of legends like Kapil Dev and Chandu Borde makes this occasion truly special. Their presence will continue to inspire the generations who will play at this land.”
Indian cricket legend Mr. Kapil Dev said: “It is wonderful to see the Poona Club investing in quality infrastructure for the game. Facilities like these are where future cricketers are trained. What impressed me the most is the commitment to excellence while preserving the spirit of the game. Grounds like this inspire young players to dream bigger and play better.”
Former India stalwart Chandu Borde said: “I am deeply moved and honored to have this pavilion named after me. Poona Club has always had a rich cricket culture, and it is heartening to see this legacy carried forward so beautifully. I hope this ground continues to foster talent and uphold the true values of the game.”
The Club also acknowledged the valuable support and contribution of its committee members including Tushar Aswani, former President Sunil Handa, Vikram Damle, Rishi Chainani, Tariq Parwani and Umesh Pillay, along with other members and past leaders who played an important role in making this project a reality.
The Club acknowledged the contributions of former President Rahul Dhole Patil for his long-standing dedication, and Dilip Sanghavi for supporting the pavilion naming initiative.
The project was made possible through the collective efforts of members, staff, gardeners and partners.
