The Mumbai Cricket Association’s audacity in hosting the T20 Mumbai League during the monsoon season showcases their resilience. Despite the challenges, they managed to push the tournament forward, thanks to the generous support of former President Dr Vijay Patil, who offered his stadium without charge, and Governing Council chairman Vihang Sarnaik’s herculean efforts.
However, the MCA’s tendency to make unexpected announcements continues. The recent appointments declared on June 9 are no exception. Raju Kulkarni’s reappointment as CIC chairman blatantly disregards the MCA constitution Rule 26(3), which states that ‘No person who has been a member of a Cricket Committee for a total of 5 years shall be eligible to be a member of cricket committees.’ Kulkarni has completed his tenure, so this undermines the association’s credibility.
In contrast, Dilip Vengsarkar’s appointment as Cricket Advisor is a pleasant surprise. His contributions to Mumbai cricket through his academies are commendable. Given his nine-year term as an office bearer had ended, I thought he’d been done with administrative roles, but his experience and expertise could indeed be valuable assets. I’m sure the MCA has ensured his appointment complies with the constitution, preserving his reputation.
Speculation about future appointments is thus intriguing. Potential picks could include CA Ravi Savant as Financial Advisor or Dr PV Shetty, with his 17 years of experience on the MCA managing committee, as Apex Council Advisor. And the return of a seasoned administrator as Advisor to the President wouldn’t be surprising. It’s time for the BCCI to learn a lesson or two from MCA.
