Following a deadly fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot that claimed 27 lives, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has proposed stringent new safety regulations for temporary sports facilities, including box cricket arenas and net-enclosed games. The draft policy mandates that any sport played in enclosed or net-covered spaces must comply with strict fire safety and structural norms to protect players and spectators, especially in temporary or semi-permanent venues. While box cricket rules passed without objection, the Gujarat Pickleball Association has formally protested the classification of pickleball as a “net-covered” sport, arguing that its minimal netting does not constitute an enclosed space posing fire or ventilation risks.
The AMC plans to hold a hearing to decide whether pickleball should be subject to the same regulations as fully enclosed sports courts. Once finalized, all such facilities will require annual licenses, with unlicensed venues facing penalties. The move follows a state government directive after the Rajkot tragedy, aiming to enforce safety standards across temporary recreational structures in major cities. Existing sports setups must apply for approval within 30 days of the rules taking effect, and operations will be restricted to non-agricultural land to ensure compliance and prevent future disasters.
