Mumbai Cricket Association Slams Ranveer Singh's 'Pralay' Shoot at Azad Maidan for Disrupting Junior Matches
A commercial film shoot for Ranveer Singh's upcoming movie Pralay at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan has led to a major clash between the Mumbai Cricket Association and the state sports department.
Published 6 November 2026
The Azad Maidan Dispute
A scheduled six-hour film production for the upcoming movie Pralay at Mumbai's historic Azad Maidan has sparked an intense controversy between the Mumbai Cricket Association and the film's production team. The commercial booking required the ground for a brief window, which directly interfered with local sporting calendars.
The temporary takeover of the space caused immediate logistical complications for ongoing youth sports programs, bringing the underlying tensions between commercial entertainment interests and grassroots athletic development into sharp focus.
Impact on Junior Cricket
The production activities forced the immediate postponement of critical Under-14 and Under-16 interschool cricket fixtures that had been meticulously organized well in advance. This disruption affected numerous young players, local schools, various clubs, and match officials who rely on these tournaments for competitive experience.
Association representatives pointed out that halting youth matches creates a cascading effect on the development pipeline, wasting months of preparation and depriving aspiring athletes of valuable playing time on a ground meant specifically for nurturing future talent.
MCA's Strong Objections
The Mumbai Cricket Association voiced severe displeasure through formal communication channels, questioning why the sporting body was kept completely out of the loop before commercial permissions were finalized. Officials emphasized that utilizing a foundational training ground for commercial cinema sets a dangerous precedent.
Leaders within the association stressed that Azad Maidan is not a standard commercial studio lot, but rather a hallowed nursery where young cricketers hone their skills to eventually reach higher levels of competition, making any non-sporting disruption unacceptable.
Official Permissions and Conditions
Records indicate that the Maharashtra Sports Department granted the production house Light Rays access to 5,000 square yards of government land at the venue for a six-hour duration. The approval was officially signed by Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar and forwarded by the deputy director of sports.
The formal authorization came with strict stipulations prohibiting cooking, digging, and bringing vehicles onto the pitches, alongside requirements for separate clearances from police, traffic authorities, and municipal corporations.
Hansal Mehta Defends the Production
Producer Hansal Mehta defended the production choices, asserting that the team followed all lawful protocols and acquired every mandatory clearance from the competent administrative authorities before cameras started rolling on location.
Mehta also used the occasion to criticize overarching administrative friction, describing Mumbai as increasingly difficult for cinematic productions due to persistent bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory complexities.
Historical Significance of Azad Maidan
Azad Maidan holds a legendary status in Mumbai's rich cricketing lore, having served as the launching pad for numerous international stars. Historic milestones, such as the famous 664-run partnership by Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, took place on these grounds.
Preserving the integrity of such a venue remains a top priority for local cricket administrators, who argue that allowing non-sporting events threatens the historical and practical foundation of Mumbai's sporting culture.
News Overview
The Mumbai Cricket Association strongly criticized a commercial film shoot for Pralay at Azad Maidan that forced the postponement of junior cricket matches. While the production secured official government permits and defended the shoot, the clash highlighted ongoing concerns over prioritizing commercial ventures above grassroots sports development.
Key facts
- The shoot took place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
- The film involved is Pralay, starring Ranveer Singh and Kalyani Priyadarshan.
- The production house granted permission was Light Rays.
- The approval was signed by Under Secretary Ashok Damayyawar on October 30, 2026, and forwarded on November 2, 2026.
- The rent charged for the space was Rs 40,000 along with a refundable security deposit of Rs 40,000.
- Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli shared a record 664-run partnership at Azad Maidan in 1987.