Even though MCA cancelled the Dr HD Kanga League's opening matches yesterday due to shortage of heavy rain, some clubs refused to waste a day and instead played practice matches without facing any difficulties
Parsee and PJ Hindu Gymkhana teams play a practice match at Hindu Gymkhana on Marine Drive yesterday
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Even though Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) cancelled the Dr HD Kanga League's opening matches yesterday due to shortage of heavy rain, some clubs refused to waste a day and instead played practice matches without facing any difficulties.
Parsee Gymkhana and PJ Hindu Gymkhana played a practice match on a bright day at Hindu Gymkhana.
Parsee Gymkhana's vice-president Khodadad Yezdegardi was surprised with MCA's decision, but admitted that the match gave his players good match practice.
"MCA's decision is ridiculous. The reason they cited to cancel matches is the worst anyone can give. If they are cancelling matches due to shortage of rain, then when is the ideal time to hold the league? This is really disgusting. All grounds are dry and ready for matches," Yezdegardi told mid-day yesterday.
"I got a letter from MCA a month ago and also a week back where they specifically mentioned to ensure that our ground is ready for today's game. If they are saying shortage of rain, then how are we going to play from October to May?" he asked.
Hindu Gymkhana secretary Merchant expressed the same feelings. "Last week, MCA asked me whether our ground is ready for the July 9 match and I gave them the green signal. All gymkhana grounds were ready for today's matches," he said.
Kanga League secretary Deepak Patil justified MCA's decision by stating that most of the wickets were under-prepared. "We had no option but to cancel today's Kanga League matches as 11 to 12 wickets at Matunga, Azad Maidan and a few at Shivaji Park were not ready. I am confident that these wickets will be ready in a week's time and we can begin the league next Sunday," Patil said.
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