Baroda Cricket Association

It all started when Maharaj Sayajirao Gaekwad III, hired Mr. Machiwala, a Parsi coach, for training his sons in cricket in 1904. One of his sons, Shivajirao came to be a First-Class Player of the sport. After this, in 1934, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, laid the foundation of cricket in Baroda States Motibaug Ground, which got its affiliation to... the Cricket Board of India in 1937. Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad who was also a skilled cricket player himself, inspired youth in Baroda to get exposure in International/National levels. Cricket was even made compulsory in schools and colleges. Another institute called the Gujarat Krida Mandal was established near Kirti Stambh. On 16 th April 1934, the Baroda Cricket Association was established, which was known as The Central Board of Cricket back then. Its Founder President was Col. Kumar Shivraj Singh and Founder Secretary was Prof. S.V. Shevade. In 1937, it assumed the name of Baroda State Cricket Association. In 1938, it came to be known as Baroda Cricket Association, a name of that is still in force. It continued to function under the patronage of the Gaekwads even after the state emerged with Indian union. In 1949, the mantle of leadership fell on the shoulders of Maharaja Fatesinhrao Gaekwad, eldest son of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, who not only guided the destiny of cricket at the state level but also at the National level. A Ranji Trophy player himself, he also played for the international team. He was also a sports reporter and an expert commentator of International cricket all over the world. He was the President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from the year 1963-66 and became the youngest person to represent his country at the ICC. The period brought up an abundance in the local talent of International standing. Following the footsteps of father and brother, the daughters of the State were also encouraged to play the sport. Dr. Mrunalini Devi Puar, the eldest daughter of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, became an enthusiast of the ...Read More