Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has strongly reacted to the controversial move by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) against the historic Motibaug Cricket Club. The action surprised Pathan and many because Motibaug Ground is one of the oldest and most respected cricket venues in Baroda.
Actually, the Baroda Cricket Association has decided to end the Motibaug Cricket Club's affiliation, and Pathan blamed politics within the state body over the ongoing issue. Amid this, Abhishek Sharma smashes double hundred amid worrying India form.
As reported by Sportstar, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) caretaker body reviewed the expenses and use of all affiliated cricket grounds during its recent meeting. The committee found that the money spent on maintaining Motibaug Ground was much higher than other grounds, while the venue was not being used enough for matches and practice.
The committee also noted that BCA staff and curators had reportedly not been allowed to enter the ground in recent days. After the meeting, the BCA decided to end the Motibaug Cricket Club's affiliation with the association. The BCA has also decided to remove all its machinery and equipment from the historic Motibaug Cricket Club.
Ajit Lele, a member of the caretaker body, was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “During the meeting, there were discussions about how we were not being able to make maximum use of the ground despite bearing significantly higher costs as part of the MoU.”
If the decision is implemented, the Motibaug Cricket Club will not be allowed to participate in any Baroda Cricket Association tournaments.
Irfan Pathan slams Baroda Cricket Association over escalating Motibaug controversy
Reacting to the Motibaug Ground controversy, Irfan Pathan blamed politics within the Baroda Cricket Association and said cricketers will suffer the most.
The former India all-rounder highlighted that Motibaug Cricket Club is one of India's most historic cricket grounds and felt young players could lose access to one of the best cricket facilities because of administrative issues.
Irfan Pathan also praised Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad for always supporting Baroda's cricketers by keeping the ground available for them.
Irfan Pathan posted on X: “It is one of the most historic cricket grounds in the country. Sadly, because of politics, Baroda cricketers may miss the opportunity to use one of the finest cricketing facilities.
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad has always been incredibly gracious in opening these gates for Baroda’s cricketers. It’s unfortunate that a few bad apples in the Baroda Cricket Association are putting politics ahead of players. In the end, it’s the cricketers who suffer.”
It is one of the most historic cricket grounds in the country. Sadly, because of politics, Baroda cricketers may miss the opportunity to use one of the finest cricketing facilities.Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad has always been incredibly gracious in opening these gates for…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 1, 2026
Historic Motibaug Ground faces uncertain future
Well, Motibaug Ground has a special place in Baroda cricket history. Before the new stadiums like Kotambi Stadium and Reliance Stadium became popular, Motibaug was the city's main stadium.
It hosted first-class matches for many years and produced famous cricketers for India, including the Pathan brothers and several other national players.
It is still not clear whether the issue will be resolved through talks or if this will end Motibaug's long association with the BCA. Even the Motibaug Cricket Club has not yet issued any statement on this.
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