Mumbai did not want to play at BKC

MUMBAI: Mumbai may have humbled Hyderabad at the Bandra-Kurla Complex but they were initially reluctant play at the venue.

The Mumbai team, looking for an outright win, were apprehensive that the BKC pitch could produce a high-scoring game, just like the team’s previous tie at Rajkot against Saurashtra.

The team management wanted to play the game at CCI and were also ready to consider the Railway Grounds in Mahalaxmi. The DY Patil Stadium in Nerul, was also an option. However, top MCA officials, including MCA Cricket Academy chairman Dilip Vengsarkar, assured the team that the wicket would produce a win if they played to their potential.

A top MCA official said: “We wanted the team to play at BKC as it is the association’s ground plus the wicket is not as bad as it is made out to be. After this big win there is no reason for the team to complain.”

Mumbai coach Praveen Amre admitted that the team had requested the MCA to shift the venue. “We had expressed a desire to play at another venue. However, the MCA assured us that we would get a good wicket. As a coach it was my duty to raise this concern with the MCA,” Amre said.