Nari Contractor’s issue over passes to be sorted out by establishment

Nari Contractor

Mumbai-based former India captain Nari Contractor, 89, has written to Roger Binny, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about him not being given his usual passes for matches in Mumbai.

According to the letter, (a copy of which is with mid-day), Contractor hasn't been sent his passes for the ongoing World Cup matches. The letter states that a copy of it has been emailed to the Mumbai Cricket Association president. When mid-day contacted MCA chief Amol Kale, he remarked: "I don't know about it. I need to check. I will check and make the appropriate decision."

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Binny called Contractor on Tuesday evening to assure him that the issue will be sorted out.

Contractor also stated in the letter that he is not in the list to avail IPL passes and was told that the MCA get limited passes.

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"Being the ex-captain of India, the practice being followed over the years was that the President of Mumbai Cricket Association sent them to my residence which I am sorry to say is not happening for some time now. I would like to know the reason why," said Contractor.

He signed off with a hook shot as it were: "If the current MCA committee does not recognise and acknowledge my contribution to the game, I am hoping that at least BCCI would."

Although Contractor played Ranji Trophy for Gujarat, he represented the Bombay University and played all his inter-club and inter-office cricket in the city. Probably his biggest contribution to city cricket was his involvement in the BCA-Mafatlal Bowling Scheme which was helmed by former England fast bowler Frank Tyson. The scheme changed the face of Mumbai cricket, getting the city's name back on the silverware after eight barren seasons 1985-86 to 1992-93. The man who got Tyson to head the scheme was the man who doesn't get passes to Mumbai games - Nariman Jehangirji Contractor.