Cricketers plead for good governance

MUMBAI: It was heartening to see a host of former Mumbai and India cricketers at Cricket First's - the panel led by Dr Vijay Patil for the Mumbai Cricket Association elections - gathering on Wednesday.
Patil's group has Unmesh Khanvilkar (jt secy), Mayank Khandwala (treasurer) and some well-known names in Lalchand Rajput, Nadim Memon, Iqbal Sheikh, Sangam Lad and former cricketers Abey Kuruvilla and Atul Ranade besides others.
Pledging his support for the panel, former India batsman and Mumbai captain Sanjay Manjrekar said while he didn't have a voter's card, he wanted the MCA affiliated club representatives to think about those who want to administer cricket. "Look at their names and apply three qualities - talent, integrity and passion and choose the best."
Another former Mumbai captain Amol Muzumdar said he was there because he understands how important it is to have proper administration for the game to prosper. "I am now more mature and wiser. I want good people to govern the game and bring about good change," he said.
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Kiran More made a strong pitch despite hailing from Baroda. "I owe my career to Mumbai cricket and it pains me sometimes to see the falling standards of maidan cricket. Also, I want the cricket fans to return to the stadium to enjoy domestic cricket. I have been flying in from Baroda to watch Sachin Tendulkar play in the Ranji Trophy, but I was surprised to see very few people at the stadium," he said.
"Often I have felt that administrators have put cricket on the backburner. Please don't let Mumbai local cricket go down. It is something we all look up to."
On his part, Vijay Patil, the reigning vice-president, promised to deliver the best hoping that the clubs will recognise his team which he said was a mix of hard-working and experienced individuals. "If you want things to change and the prestige of MCA and the game enhanced, choose us as a team. We have a creative agenda for the game and we are committed to bring a big change," he promised.
Former India cricketer, coach and a seasoned administrator, Lalchand Rajput stressed that clash of egos and court cases have put the MCA in shambles and it was time that those who are dedicated and passionate get elected. A six-time joint secretary and four-time managing committee member, Rajput said, "People are asking what's wrong with Mumbai cricket? Choose people who are dedicated to the game and have a vision. Let the glory of Mumbai cricket not go down."
The array of former cricketers present also included Salil Ankola, Paras Mhambrey, Sameer Dighe and Nilesh Kulkarni.