Shahalam Shaikh asked to stay away from MCA Jt Secretary duties

Shahalam Shaikh

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Apex Council has informed the association's Joint Secretary Shahalam Shaikh to stay away from exercising any of his duties. The MCA's Apex Council gathered for an emergent meeting at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday after which MCA President Dr Vijay Patil conveyed the same to Shaikh.

"The Apex Council at its meeting held on 5th January 2022 - by majority - was of the opinion that your case is identical to Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar. In view of the same, pending the receipt of the formal order from Ombudsman, you are directed by the Apex Council to desist from exercising any duties/rights as Joint Secretary of Mumbai Cricket Association," said a letter addressed to Shaikh and signed by MCA president.

MCA's Ethics Officer-cum-Ombudsman - former chief Justice VK Tahilramani had disqualified two of MCA's Apex Council members - Khanvilkar and Kiran Powar - last week. Khanvilkar, who earlier served the association as a Joint Secretary, was dismissed with regards to his tenure of six years and a conflict of interest issue as his sister Chaitra Khanvilkar was appointed trainer of the Mumbai women's team.

Former first-class cricketer Powar was guilty of conflict of interest as his brother Ramesh was Mumbai's head coach when they won the Vijay Hazare Trophy last March. The Apex Council members urged MCA President Dr Patil to take action against other members who have tenure-related and conflict of interest issues. It is learnt that the Apex Council also raised the issue about two other Council members with regards to conflict of interest and asked them to resign.

"We had already pointed out the conflict of interest of the two members Amit Dani and Samantha Lobato to the Ombudsman and we are waiting for the order," a source said. Meanwhile, Shaikh reacted to the development: "The MCA president has taken this decision under the pressure of eight members. They should wait for the Ombudsman's decision. I will challenge it in the High Court."