Cricket in Control

The tree-fringed circular green turf, the ancient stone edifice of the pavilion, crowned with tiled roofs and bordered with white picket fences, and yes, the pitch itself have left deep impressions on the cricketer in Borde. ‘‘This is definitely one of the best grounds in India. The pitch here is excellent. On my suggestion, the national cricket team even had two test camps here, because the facilities here are really good,’’ says Borde, about what is most certainly his favourite place in Pune.

His most vivid memory is from the time he climbed up a tree to watch a cricket match at the Poona Club. ‘‘I couldn’t afford to pay and watch, so I simply climbed up a tamarind tree to get a good view of the ground and later rushed to get autographs of the players,’’ he laughs. ‘‘I have seen Ranji trophy matches, some great cricketers like Vijay Hazare play here,’’ he says.

Keen to see young blood trained for bigger things, Borde, who is honorary secretary for cricket at the club, also holds a free 45-day camp for aspiring cricketers on this ground every summer.