For the first time in the history of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), a woman has decided to contest in their biennial elections to be held on July 15.
For the first time in the history of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), a woman has decided to contest in their biennial elections to be held on July 15.
Fifty five-year-old Hema Phadke has filed her nominations to contest for the 11-member managing committee’s post in the MCA. She will be the only female contestant among 31 candidates. Till now the association, established in 1930, has been a male bastion though a handful of women have been mere voters or members of the sub-committees.
“It is a nice feeling to know that I am the first woman to contest in an MCA election. I feel proud of it,” an elated Phadke told DNA. She is not new to cricket having worked as a sub-committee member of the women’s cricket wing at MCA. Phadke, who works as a guide with the Maharashtra Tourism, says cricket has been her passion and she was convinced by her male colleagues to contest the elections this time.
“I have attended six annual general meetings (AGM) of the MCA and worked aggressively in the recently concluded ICC World Cup and IPL at the Wankhede Stadium.
“My male colleagues were happy with my work and asked me why not I try and contest the forthcoming polls for the managing committee and then I thought it would be a good idea,” she added.
Phadke, who represents Friends Cricketers, said she had all the support from her family including her tennis player daughter Sonal.
“My husband, in-laws and my daughters, they all have supported me. Sonal was the one who pushed me and then it was hard to say no. Women have come up in many fields and there is nothing that they cannot do,” said Phadke.
If Phadke wins she says she will work hard for improvement of women’s cricket.
“That is one of the things we need to improve, the grassroots of the game and many other things,” she said.
Phadke, who has the support of Vilasrao Deshmukh’s group, said she won’t withdraw if she doesn’t have a group. “I won’t. Many of them have been supportive. I have no problem if don’t get to stand from a panel. I will stand independent, but I have made up my mind,” she added.
One of the members of Deshmukh group said it is a positive move. “We are standing by her. She will be the first woman to contest in an MCA election and it will be a positive move,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Test cricketer Sudhir Naik, who has witnessed many seasons at the MCA, said this will be a sort of a history. “Phadke has been coming to MCA regularly and I have seen her work very hard. Her entry will be a big boost to women’s cricket.”
“She can be an example. And the most important thing she will be able to devote her time to cricket,” added Naik.
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