07 July,2011 09:15 AM IST | | Clayton Murzello
Current president Sharad Pawar is out of the race despite all efforts to coax him to contest the Mumbai Cricket Association elections. Not that his decision should be surprising, but who would have thought that he would refrain from seeking a re-election because of the permanent address clause in the MCA constitution? As it turns out, Pawar is not a permanent resident of Mumbai and so cannot hold a post in the association. Pawar's contribution shouldn't be forgotten though. He took over in 2001 during a turbulent phase and in many aspects, he has left it stronger than it was in 2001. Even his detractors will agree that the association is on a stronger financial wicket than it ever was.
It will be foolhardy to believe that only administrators or cricketers can take Mumbai cricket to a new level
The prickly issue with a neighbouring club house as well as the MCA's financial burden caused by the electronic scoreboard (called a white elephant by critics) erected for the 1996 World Cup was solved in his term. It was Pawar, who instituted the Cricket Improvement Committee with former Test batsman Madhav Apte heading it followed by Sunil Gavaskar, who resigned in April. And MCA can take credit for being the first state association to start a pension scheme for their former (aged 55 plus) players.
He used his clout for the development of the game in the city ufffd the Bandra Kurla Complex and Kandivli facilities are welcome cricketing destinations even though there have been failures to cast the net further. It will be foolhardy to believe that only administrators or cricketers can take Mumbai cricket to a new level just like a one-dimensional attack is detrimental to a cricket team.
Mumbai's cricketing fraternity will do well to vote for the best individuals. Dilip Vengsarkar's determination is unshakeable and his supporters stress that defeat is not an option. His wherewithal deserves success, but to play devil's advocate, what happens if he doesn't succeed? Will Mumbai cricket then lose out on a fine cricket visionary? One hopes not.
I remember him resigning as chairman of the Mumbai senior selection committee when he lost his first elections in 1996. He returned in 1998 and has not lost since. Mumbai cricket needs every inch of his experience, endurance and expertise.
Before July 15, there will be pain, frustrations, back-biting, allegations and counter allegations. But the new era which dawns must live up to its promise. Mumbai cricket's legacy is too great for muck to be splashed around on a landscape of art and craft, grit and flamboyance.
