This is not about a player smashing a century at Dadar’s Shivaji Park (SP) maidan. In 2025 it is the park, the maidan as it is called, itself that will notch 100 on the scoreboard. The park, the shiniest jewel in Mumbai’s cultural column stretching from Siddhivinayak to Mahim, was established in 1925 by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, during British Rule. It was known as Mahim Park until 1927 when it was renamed as Shivaji Park. 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) renamed the ground from Shivaji Park to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park on March 12, 2020. Given its physical location and strategic importance, this space has been politicised. Political parties want a slice of the Shivaji Park pie. Its high visibility makes it coveted for rallies, both political and public.