Ajinkya Naik, a former Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, has been elected as the new president of the association, securing a decisive victory with 221 votes against Sanjay Naik’s 114. The 37-year-old Naik becomes the youngest president in MCA history, backed by veteran politician and former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar.
The election process commenced on July 4 following the untimely demise of previous MCA president Amol Kale. Kale had traveled to New York with MCA officials to witness the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan when he passed away.
“The victory is a testament to Amol Kale’s exemplary achievements. My efforts will be to replicate his commitment and dedication to improving the quality of Mumbai cricket and take his legacy forward,” Ajinkya said in a statement.
A total of 335 votes were cast on Tuesday afternoon, including those from prominent cricketers such as India’s chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Sanjay Manjrekar, Balvinder Singh Sandhu, and Paras Mhambrey. The voter base also comprised members of maidan clubs, gymkhana clubs, and college representatives.
Election officer JS Saharia announced the result after 14 rounds of counting, with none of the candidates’ representatives objecting to any ballot paper.
Speaking to the media after his win, Ajinkya said, “This is the victory of Maidan cricket. It’s a triumph of all the Maidan club secretaries, schools and college gymkhana secretaries, and the former cricketers. I am only their representative.”
“I have been serving MCA since 2015 in various capacities, and it is a pyramid-like journey, thanks to maidan clubs and their secretaries.”
BJP leader Ashish Shelar, the current BCCI treasurer, expressed support for the newly elected president. “This was a friendly contest in which Ajinkya Naik emerged victorious. From hereon, we will all work towards the betterment of the association. He (Ajinkya) will have my backing. Our focus will be on developing Mumbai players and providing them with the best of facilities.”
