Ahmedabad: A year after Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) proposed rules for box cricket, pickleball and other net-covered sports, the policy is still awaiting final approval.Town development department published the draft regulations on July 8, 2025, giving citizens 30 days to submit objections. The proposed rules were drafted after the May 25, 2024, fire at the TRP Game Zone on Nana Mava Road in Rajkot, in which 27 people, including children, died.While no objections were received against the proposed rules for box cricket, two associations raised concerns over the provisions for pickleball. The objections centred on one basic question: should pickleball be treated as a net-covered sport?An association representing pickleball players argued that “pickleball cannot be classified as a net-covered sport”. AMC subsequently held a special hearing on the issue. However, the proposed policy is yet to receive final approval from the civic body’s office-bearers.An AMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the hearing process was complete and the civic body was now processing the regulations.“Only two associations filed representations against the proposed rules for box cricket, pickleball and other net-covered sports. The hearing has been completed. AMC is now processing the approval of the regulations,” the official said.Once the policy comes into force, both new and existing facilities will need formal permission.“All existing net-covered sports facilities will also have to obtain permits. The permissions will be valid for one year and will have to be renewed annually,” the official said.The draft policy proposes several conditions for such facilities. A plot must measure more than 500 sq m, with at least 50% of the area reserved for parking. Applicants must appoint a structural engineer and obtain clearances from the fire department, police, and airport authority.Permissions will be granted only for facilities located on roads wider than 12m. The maximum height of the net enclosure will be capped at 12m. A 6-m road margin and a 3-m side margin will have to be maintained, while 3-m-high barricades will be required along the plot boundary.Applicants must pay a licensing fee of Rs 100 per sq m of the total plot area.
