The Bank of Maharashtra announced a “symbolic possession” of the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s int'l stadium at Gahunje, on the outskirts of Pune, through a possession notice published in regional newspapers, according to Amol Karhadkar of THE HINDU. MCA Secretary Riyaz Bagwan stressed "cricket activities will not be disrupted." The bank notice stated that it took possession of the state-of-the-art stadium -- "in doldrums ever since the MCA's title sponsorship deal with Sahara group was abruptly terminated" in '12 -- on Friday, on the second day of play of Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy season-opener versus Vidarbha. Bagwan said, "Today only I have got it clarified by the bank officials that the cricket activities will not be disrupted at all since it's a notional possession." According to the possession notice, the bank had "no choice but to take over the stadium" because the MCA failed to repay the dues of Rs 69.53 crore ($10.4M) to four banks, including BoM. According to the notice, the bank -- along with Karnataka Bank, Bank of Baroda and Andhra Bank -- served a 60-day notice to MCA on Aug. 18. Since the MCA failed to repay the outstanding amount, the banks on Friday took possession of the stadium (THE HINDU, 11/5).