Mumbai cricket can only gain from Gavaskar, Vengsarkar!

Dilip Vengsarkar appears to be a hurt man, but there is a good chance he will be at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) meeting today.

It was reported in Mumbai Mirror yesterday that CIC chief Sunil Gavaskar had written a letter to Vengsarkar, the vice-president of the MCA, asking him to attend CIC meetings which Vengsarkar has stayed away from.

It can be recalled (as reported by MiD DAY first in July) that Vengsarkar objected to Gavaskar's appointment by MCA chief Sharad Pawar as CIC head because he felt his former Mumbai and India captain was not in touch with Mumbai cricket. Pawar it is learnt, ignored Vengsarkar's view and roped in Gavaskar.

This did not go down well with Vengsarkar, who informed Pawar at that very managing committee meeting that he would not be attending CIC meetings anymore. The manner in which his voice was not heard, angered Vengsarkar too. He has served the association well and deserves better. MCA politics have virtually crushed his chances of becoming the association's chief in the future.

If Vengsarkar does land up at Cricket Centre in Churchgate today, it will be great for Mumbai cricket. There is not an aspect of city cricket which both batting greats are ignorant about.

Mumbai cricket is at a critical stage, The domestic canvas looks good but much needs to be done at the club level and if the best cricketing minds come together, Mumbai could be the best-run association in the land.

All credit to Vengsarkar for speaking his mind about something he felt strongly about. Not many can speak his mind when the association happens to be headed by a biggie like Pawar. Gavaskar deserves kudos too for agreeing to enter the fold despite his time constraints and numerous media commitments.

Thirty-one years ago, they put 344 for India against the West Indies in Calcutta. No Indian pair has witnessed such success for the second wicket.u00a0 Play it again, gents!