GCA polls: Very important win, a matter of prestige, says Chetan Dessai

Panaji: A triumphant Mahesh Dessai walked on to the ground, shook hands with all those eager to congratulate him for his triumph, and then, seeing his brother Chetan at a distance, walked hastily towards him.

Everyone expected the brothers to share a celebratory hug; instead, Mahesh touched the feet of his elder brother and then hugged him. It showed just how big a role Chetan had played in ensuring that his brother becomes the first Ranji Trophy cricketer to become president of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA).

Mahesh, who lost the elections in 2022 for the top cricket post by just three votes, picked up 62 of the 107 votes for a comfortable win against Mahesh Candolkar, who was supported by Rohan Gauns Dessai, joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“This is a very important win because it was a matter of prestige (after the loss in 2022),” Chetan told TOI after his brother's triumph on Tuesday. “This election was fought purely on merit. We are attached to the clubs for a very long time, they have faith in us. After we all joined hands, we were certain that the clubs will help us win.”

The response to the panel backed by Chetan, a former GCA president and India manager, and other chiefs like Vinod Phadke, Vipul Phadke, Suraj Lotlikar, besides Akbar Mulla, was phenomenal. The panel made a clean sweep, winning contests for all six posts which included president, vice president, secretary, joint secretary, treasurer and member.

“Once we all came together, I had no doubt we would win. In fact, I thought there would be no election and the panel would be elected unopposed. But in a democracy, you are always free to contest. The result shows just how much the clubs trust us,” said Chetan.

The former GCA president and secretary said Mahesh was best placed to take Goan cricket forward, having played the sport at a high level, representing the state at the Ranji Trophy in 1985-86. The former Panjim Gymkhana captain was also match observer for India's T20 clash against New Zealand at the Ferozeshah Kotla in 2017.

“He knows what needs to be done to take cricket forward. I will only be an advisor, only if they need me, or else they can run the show perfectly. The panel is capable enough,” said Chetan.

The big dream for Goan cricket is to have an international stadium of its own, one that could bring a One-day international, T20 or Indian Premier League (IPL) game to the state for the first time since 2010. Land has been acquired at Dhargal and Maulinguem but somehow things have not progressed.

“Everybody wants a stadium and we need political support for that,” said Chetan. “I feel we should all get together and meet all political parties. With everyone’s support, we can make the dream come true.”