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MCA elections: Prospects present their case
Jan 16, 2001, 19:00 Hrs (IST)

Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) election, which will be held on January 19, is hotting up as a public debate was held wherein the three representatives of the three different groups outlined their objectives at the Prabhu Desai hall of the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.

Professor Ratnakar Shetty, who started the proceedings for the Bal Mahaddalkar group said that his plans for the new term included the constitution of an expert committee of four to five cricketers for the benefit of Mumbai cricket. They would have a say in technical matters, team selection, appointment of coaches and appointment of the selection committee, he added.

Prof Shetty also called for nodal coaching centres in far off places for the benefit of youngsters. Youngsters coming from far off places like Thane, Navi Mumbai find it difficult to travel long distances, therefore there should be coaching centres in these places, which would be of immense help for them.

Mr Shripad Halbe representating the Sharad Pawar group felt the need for a more cohesive unit, because last year the masses felt cheated and the players demoralised.

He said if his group came to power, the entire thrust would be on improvement of junior cricket in Mumbai and all available resources should be marshalled towards it.

He also said that they plan to make MCA the primary body, with all funds and assets in MCA's name and make associations like Garware Club the secondary body.

Meanwhile, Mr Praveen Barve representating the Manohar Joshi group said that they plan to improve the city maidans, because that is from where they get the cricketers and the Mumbai cricket survives.

He also said that they plan to address the problem of semi-permanent structures within the MCA.

UNI