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Completed an online course today which included Mumbai's British history. Came across a very interesting nugget that could have changed Indian cricket history as we know it.
In 1862, the Bombay fort was taken down by the British in order to expand the city. In doing so, the local government was also hoping to use the esplanade area for residential buildings.
However, the empire sent a special G.R. No. 1296 dated 4th July 1863 that stated, "Her Majesty's Secretary of State for India has specially enjoined the Government not to encroach on the esplanade so as to diminish the space available for air and exercise"
The esplanade remained open for locals which they later used for sporting activities. The patch includes Azad- Oval-Cross Maidans, Bombay Gymkhana, Hindu-Islam-Parsee Gymkhanas and what later came up as Brabourne and Wankhede. The cradle of Indian cricket. 
