Shivaji Park Gymkhana set to revive its famed cricket academy in Mumbai
SPG president Pravin Amre, the former India Test cricketer and a respected coach, announced the initiative at a media conference on Tuesday.
“When I started the SPG coaching project more than two decades ago, with the guidance and support of the likes of Padmakar Shivalkar and Sandesh Kawle, our efforts paved the way for producing two Test cricketers and more than half a dozen first-class cricketers over the years,” Amre said.
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“With the Rose Merc Group supporting us financially, we hope to revive SPG’s tag as the nursery of Mumbai cricket. Through this academy, we will strive to create a strong supply line to Mumbai cricket, with the aim of producing a Test cricketer in the near future,” he added.
The academy will conduct open trials across three age groups: Under-14 on January 8, Under-19 on January 9, and Under-16 on January 10. While Amre, in his capacity as an office-bearer, will oversee and guide the coaching programme, Vinay Hardikar has been appointed as the head coach, with Siddharth Bhatkar named as assistant coach.
Rose Merc Ltd, a Bombay Stock Exchange-listed company involved in organising various sports events, has partnered SPG for the initiative. The company was represented at the launch by chairman Uday Tardalkar and executive director Purvesh Shelatkar. “We are honoured that Amre sir and Shivaji Park Gymkhana have chosen us for this project,” Shelatkar said.
The initial agreement between SPG and Rose Merc is for a period of three years, with both parties expressing confidence in extending the association further. Amre also revealed that the academy plans to include girls in the programme as part of its long-term vision.
Published on Dec 23, 2025
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