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Posted: Feb 03, 2008 at 2326 hrs IST

Anthony de Mello was getting weary after lengthy negotiation. He finally asked Lord Brabourne, “Your Excellency, which would you prefer to accept from sportsmen, money for your government, or immortality for yourself?” The Crown’s representative had no hesitation in saying he would prefer the latter and de Mello knew then he had won the first round of battle to make the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and the Brabourne Stadium a reality in Mumbai.

The CCI, which was supposed to be India’s Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), is exclusive and luxurious. Located on Dinshaw Wacha Road, near Churchgate, it is perhaps one of the oldest and most prestigious cricket clubs in India.

De Mello was both a dreamer and a deficit financier. Soon after acquiring the land, Messrs Gregson, Batley and King were the architects who drew up the blueprint of the Stadium and the Club House. Messrs Shapoorji Pallonji and Co. were awarded the contract for construction. Frank Tarrant, the former Australian cricketer, coach and umpire, was given the task of making the outfield and the pitch. As scheduled, the opening ceremony took place on December 7, 1937.

On November 8, 1933, the Cricket Club of India was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee with its registered office in New Delhi. As the name suggests, the primary aim of the company was to promote sports in general and cricket in particular.

The CCI also houses the Brabourne Stadium. Apart from having one of the best cricket pitches, it also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, fitness centres, a billiards room, squash courts, badminton courts, table tennis tables, cafes, bars, a library, a basketball court and skating rink. And it serves the best akoori (scrambled eggs) and sev puri (called Lala Puri here, after Lala Amarnath) you’ve ever had.

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