Batting great Dilip Vengsarkar's tenacity over the last few months in his quest to become Mumbai Cricket Association's chief must be admired
Batting great Dilip Vengsarkar's tenacity over the last few months in his quest to become Mumbai Cricket Association's chief must be admired
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When Dilip Vengsarkar (nicknamed Colonel) ended up on the losing side in the Mumbai vs Haryana Ranji Trophy final by two runs at the Wankhede Stadium in 1991, he tossed and turned in his bed for months.
He could well have had a sleepless night yesterday as well, thinking about today's Mumbai Cricket Association elections as he sets out to become president.
Dilip Vengsarkar.
Pic: Sayed Sameer Abedi
Vengsarkar is up against Vilasrao Deshmukh, an experienced politician who enjoys the support of Sharad Pawar. According to insiders, Pawar reminded his supporters that Deshmukh played a leading hand in the MCA getting the Bandra-Kurla Complex ground.
However, vice-president Deshmukh's decision to contest the elections appears a brave one considering he hasn't been a regular at managing committee meetings.
Vengsarkar seems to have added layers of confidence to his tall frame.u00a0 The voters have responded well to the approaches made by him and his team of cricketers and it will be a pity if he is let down, something that can happen; has happened... as Vengsarkar experienced in 1996.
Let's face it, sport needs politicians to push the envelope when it comes to various projects. Pawar did that in his decade-long tenure and there is no reason to disbelieve a key member of the MCAu00a0 managing committee when he said, "Pawar worked harder than any of us when it came to ensuring the Wankhede Stadium was ready for the World Cup." On the other hand, the Wankhede deserved his attention since he is the International Cricket Council chief.
However, the need for an influential politician is probably less dire now since things are in place at the Wankhede Stadium. The MCA now needs fresh focus in cricketing matters. If Vengsarkar loses today's elections, his association with Mumbai cricket might end. His expertise will be lost in city cricket and there is a good chance cricketers will stay away. The MCA cannot afford that. This is a true test for not only the candidates, but voters too. Can they look beyond the usual suspects? Will they look at performers and potential?u00a0
Win or lose, Vengsarkar has to be saluted for his tenacity and belief.u00a0 It is not easy for a prominent sportsperson to put his neck on the line and let his fate be decided by even non-cricketers.
Should Vengsarkar head the MCA? For his contribution (as player and administrator) to Mumbai cricket since 1975, he deserves that honour. And yes, he could do with some sleep.
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