10 February,2021 07:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Harit Joshi
Ramesh Powar. Pic/Atul Kamble
The Mumbai coach saga finally reached a conclusion on Tuesday after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) appointed Ramesh Powar to handle the senior team. The former India off-spinner will start his coaching stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which begins on February 20. "Ramesh Powar has been appointed till March 2021 as per CIC's (Cricket Improvement Committee) decision," MCA secretary Sanjay Naik told mid-day.
This ends the ugly tussle between MCA officials and the Lalchand Rajput-headed CIC that put Powar and Amol Muzumdar in the coach selection drama. Last Friday, MCA informed the CIC of their decision to appoint Muzumdar as Mumbai's head coach. Rajput, in his reply stated that Powar was their preferred choice going by his international coaching credentials.
The issue forced the MCA bigwigs, including Sharad Pawar, to step in. On Monday, Rajput, in an email said the MCA were, "using their powers to supersede CIC's decision."
When asked about Muzumdar's appointment, Naik said: "We did not appoint Amol. It was just a suggestion to the CIC that he is available to coach if the need arises."
Meanwhile, Muzumdar clarified: "First of all, I was approached by various MCA officials to become coach of the Mumbai team. I was made to believe that there is no candidate available as Amit Pagnis had just resigned. So, as a gesture, I agreed to help out Mumbai cricket. When I came to know that Ramesh is available, I decided to stay away," Muzumdar said.
The Mumbai team for the 50-over tournament will be picked today. It is learnt that Shreyas Iyer will lead the side while Prithvi Shaw or Shivam Dube could be his deputy.
