Mumbai's MCA Presidential Race Heats Up as Candidates Push for Indoor Cricket Academy

Ajinkya Naik, MCA secretary and presidential candidate, advocates for an indoor cricket academy with an actual turf pitch in Mumbai. He faces Sanjay Naik in the upcoming election, following the withdrawal of Bhushan Patil. The election is set after the death of MCA president Amol Kale.

Ajinkya Naik, the current secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has called for the establishment of an indoor cricket academy with an actual turf pitch in Mumbai. Naik, who is running for the MCA presidential position against Sanjay Naik, highlighted the need for improved infrastructure during the monsoon season.

In a significant turn of events, Bhushan Patil, the third candidate and vice president of Congress' Mumbai unit, withdrew from the race on Tuesday, leaving the competition between the two incumbent MCA officials. The election, scheduled for July 23, follows the untimely death of MCA president Amol Kale, who passed away in the USA last month.

Naik's vision for the academy involves creating a facility within Mumbai's MMR jurisdiction, similar to those in the UK and Australia, which he says will provide an outdoor-like experience. His candidacy has received strong support from former India Women's captain Diana Edulji and local cricket club official Jitendra Gohil.

(With inputs from agencies.)