Also or formerly known as Esplanade Maidan; Azad Maidan
Established 1875
Capacity 15,000 (but has held up to 50,000)
Floodlights No
Home team(s) Mumbai
Current local time 23:34, Fri Jul 18, 2008 (UTC +0530)
External links Weather
The Bombay Gymkhana was formed in 1875 exclusively for Europeans, and it remained that way well into the 20th century - even Ranji was refused admission. The only Indians allowed into the club were servants, although this rule had to be suspended for India's first home Test in 1933 to allow the players to use the facilities. It was created as an unashamedly private club and the pavilion is classically colonial, with no fixed seating anywhere else on the ground - marquees were erected to accomodate the vast crowds who turned up. By the time cricket returned to the city after the war, the Brabourne had taken over as the main cricket venue. The Gymkhana still continues to be home to a variety of sports
Martin Williamson.
