Nullifying the MoU will only send wrong signal to society: Dr. C. Krishna

The development works taken up at the more than century old Maharaja’s College Ground might hit a roadblock if the University of Mysore decides on nullifying the MoU entered with Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Bengaluru.

A decision in this regard has been taken at the Syndicate Meeting held on June 22 and according to the source, the statutes do not permit the University to lease out its properties to anyone without prior approval from the Government.

However, according to the MoU, the KSCA had agreed to develop the Maharaja’s College Cricket Ground by laying new turf wickets, practice wickets, construct new pavilion and provide other facilities.

Ever since the University of Mysore and KSCA entered into the agreement, there was disagreement between a few people who did not want the ground to go away from their hands. Speaking to Star of Mysore, Dr. C. Krishna, former Director, Department of Physical Education, University of Mysore, who was responsible for KSCA to sign the agreement, said that the MoU was signed to develop the ground and to provide better facilities for University’s cricket players.

“It is impossible for the University to spend money on developing the ground. There is no question of personal prestige. It was done only to expose the varsity cricketers to turf wicket condition. By nullifying the MoU, the University will only send a wrong signal to the society. The ground has been handed over to KSCA for a lease period of 23 years as per the provisions of the University”, he added.

The Maharaja’s College Cricket Ground has a history of more than 150 years. It was at the time of Prof. J.P. Rollo, the then Principal of Maharaja’s College that the Ground, the sports pavilion was constructed. Many international cricketers like  E.A.S. Prasanna, B.S. Chandrashekar, G.R. Vishwanath, Javagal Srinath, Dilip Vengasarkar and others have played in this ground. The ground has hosted Ranji Trophy matches which include:  Mysuru Vs Andhra (Nov. 4, 1972), Mysuru Vs Kerala (Oct. 21, 1961), Mysuru Vs Kerala (Dec. 3, 1960) and Mysuru Vs Hyderabad (Dec. 20, 1958) among a few. The intention of University of Mysore and KSCA is to host first-class matches similar to SDNR Wadiyar Grounds in Manasagangothri.

Sources said that KSCA has already spent around Rs. 60 lakh on fencing, upgrading the ground, construction of new wickets, installation of sprinklers and other works. Asked about  the issue,  KSCA Mysuru Zone Convenor S. Balachander said that he would react only after getting the official communication from the University.

Meanwhile, University of Mysore former Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa said that the MoU can been nullified if both UoM and KSCA come to an agreement. “On the MoU being cancelled, KSCA can claim the expenses that it has incurred till date for development of the ground”, he added.

After being handed over the Gangothri Glades in Manasagangothri, the KSCA has developed it into one of the best grounds in the country. Gangothri Glades, which have now been named after late Srikanta Datta Narashimaraja Wadiyar, hosts Ranji Trophy matches, Karnataka Premiere League, Women’s cricket, College tournaments, Division matches to name few. In fact, the first ever Test Cricket match that Mysuru was witness too in which South Africa women cricket team played against India was also hosted here. The ground has excellent practice facilities where cricketers from across the city are seen practicing early in the morning as well as in the evening.