New MCA president Amol Kale vows to fulfil promises; defeated Sandeep Patil willing to help new panel

Sandeep Patil. Pic/File pic

Mumbai Cricket Association's newly elected president Amol Kale revealed that the battle for the association's top post with former India cricketer Sandeep Patil was not an easy one.

Kale garnered 183 votes, while Patil got 158 at the elections held at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

MCA's new president Amol Kale (right) at the Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Sameer Markande

"The election wasn't easy. Sandeep Patil was a tough competitor. The credit for this win goes to [Sharad] Pawar saheb, [Ashish] Shelar and our team. We will fulfil our promises," Kale told mid-day when asked about the competition with Patil.

Kale, who was the vice-president in Dr Vijay Patil's tenure as chief, wants to utilise Patil's expertise for the benefit of Mumbai cricket. Kale remarked: "We will look to utilise Patil's cricketing expertise; have many plans for Mumbai cricket. I will look to improve facilities at the grounds, and prepare new grounds. We want to develop indoor cricket academies in Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Also read: Sandeep Patil, Amol Kale face off for president's post at MCA elections

Patil was gracious in defeat. "See, here, Mumbai cricket is important. I don't know politics. The way these politicians came together (in the MCA elections), I expect and wish that it remains the same. Whether it's a cricket match or an election, both are tough. And you've already got the result," Patil said.

The 1983 World Cup-winning team member congratulated the newly elected body and offered to help them in every possible way. "I congratulate them [MCA's new committee]. I'm ready to help them in whichever way they want. I and my team have accepted this defeat, it was a fair election. I will whole-heartedly support the new body 100 per cent. I expect them to take Mumbai cricket forward," Patil added.