Dilip Vengsarkar says no to Mumbai Cricket Association polls

Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar’s name was doing the rounds to contest for the Mumbai Cricket Association president’s post, however, the 116-Test veteran has decided to opt out this time.

Vengsarkar did not give any reason but said he will return to the MCA in the next term. “Because of certain circumstances I have decided to opt out,” he told dna. “However, I will definitely be there for the next elections,” he added.

Vengsarkar is unhappy with the way things are being handled by MCA administration. “I feel sad about MCA. We are the ones who won Ranji Trophy 40 times, other associations look up to the MCA as far as cricket is concerned. The same cannot be said about its administration. Things should be rectified and right people, who have passion and interest for the game and have high credibility, should come in,” he said.

Many politicians are taking keen interest in cricket administration. But Vengsarkar felt there should be some criteria. “They should attend at least four AGMs and understand the running of cricket administration, then only they should be made eligible to contest elections. This is happening in Maharsahtra Cricket Association then why not in Mumbai,” he said.

Vengsarkar said he will continue to work at the grassroots.  “I want to give something back to the game. I want to create infrastructure for the Mumbai boys of U-12, U-14 U-16 so that they can excel all over India.”