The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) cricketing season kicks off with the Kanga League. However, at the recent season launch, while some Kanga League issues were not addressed, one of MCA’s cricket advisors suggested that players prioritising the Indian Premier League should not be selected for Mumbai. But there is nothing wrong here because T20 specialists have always represented Mumbai with pride in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, contributed to the team’s success and eventually earned a place in the IPL. So, instead of sidelining them, MCA should prepare players for different formats.
The Kanga League’s logistics remain a cause for concern. With matches scheduled in distant areas like Vangaon, Boisar, Palghar, and Dahanu, players require over two-and-a-half hours to reach. One solution could be to schedule games of two divisions on Saturdays and the remaining on Sundays within Mumbai.
Player poaching is another issue that went unnoticed. Around six players from an established ‘A’ division club, have switched to a new team. There are murmurs that players are switching clubs to get a chance to play in the T20 Mumbai League. Player poaching has also seeped into school cricket, with kids switching to schools of coaches on MCA’s payroll. A whistle-blower policy with an independent committee is needed to ensure there is no favouritism in
age-group cricket.
Meanwhile, the non-appointment of experienced coaches like Sulakshan Kulkarni and Suresh Shetty and a glance at the list of recently appointed coaches raises concerns about MCA’s direction. Good coaching results in good performances. The performance of fast bowlers on the recent UK tour has been concerning. Player development is a long-term process, as evidenced by the BCA-Mafatlal bowling scheme, and administrators should focus on nurturing talent rather than touting achievements. Another point of contention is the Talent Hunt Scheme. Will MCA disclose the whereabouts of last year’s identified players?
The writer was MCA’s Hon Treasurer before the last elections in 2022
The views expressed in this column are the individual’s and don’t represent those of the paper
