Gujarat clears contentious Vadodara land allotment to cricketer Yusuf Pathan

The Gujarat government has given its approval for the allotment of a contested property in Vadodara to cricketer Yusuf Pathan, according to an official decision announced on Wednesday. The plot, which has been at the centre of a protracted dispute, will be handed over under a two-tier arrangement.

Under the allocation scheme, 500 square metres of the total land will be granted to Pathan free of cost for residential purposes. The remaining 478 square metres will be made available at a substantially reduced rate, set at 55 per cent of the assessed market value of the property.

The government's move comes after extended deliberations over the ownership and allocation of the contentious plot. Officials have characterised the decision as a resolution to the longstanding dispute, allowing Pathan to proceed with residential construction on the Vadodara site.

Pathan, who represented India in international cricket, has been seeking clarity on the property allotment for several years. The concession granted by the state government, particularly the free allotment of half the plot area, reflects the settlement reached after protracted negotiations between all stakeholders.