Mumbai Premier League plans to be fixed today?

Ajit Wadekar supports the planned MPL

Ajit Wadekar supports the planned MPL

The Mumbai Cricket Association's managing committee may take a final decision today on the conducting of the six-team franchise Mumbai Premier League after viewing presentations from a few sports management companies. The league could roll out next January.

"Twenty First Century Media Ltd, Hansa Vision Ltd and Lakshya have shown interest in running this tournament and they will make their presentations before the managing committee. We will take a call regarding bids for different teams and the player auction," said an MCA source. The association will then speak to different broadcasters regarding live coverage of matches.

Meanwhile, former India captain Ajit Wadekar welcomed the staging of the MPL. However, he wants the MCA to ensure participation of top players like Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the planned T20 tournament.

"Top players must participate in this tournament. You learn by watching and playing with such cricketers. They should participate like we used to play each and every Kanga League game. It would be ideal if MCA takes into consideration India's international calendar while chalking out the MPL schedule," Wadekar, a former MCA vice-president, told mid-day yesterday.

Wadekar, who turned out for Shivaji Park Gymkhana throughout his career, wants to see MPL matches conducted at various gymkhana grounds. "It would be great if some matches of the MPL are played at the gymkhana. I don't think Wankhede or other stadiums will attract big crowds for these matches," he said.

While Wadekar, 76, felt the MPL is a good avenue for the current generation of players to earn financial rewards, he wondered why the Kanga League has lost its charm. "I think the clubs and gymkhanas are to blame because they don't insist on players participating," said Wadekar.