Ajinkya Naik has been elected as the youngest president in the history of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). He defeated Sanjay Naik, a candidate supported by Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, by 107 votes in a one-sided election.The election was held following the passing of the former MCA President Amol Kale. Naik, who was previously the MCA Secretary, cited his extensive experience and committee involvement as factors contributing to his victory.
“It’s a win for Mumbai maidaan and their club secretaries as I’m just one of them. I have been part of various committees for more than one decade. My journey has been one of a pyramid. The result came as per my expectations,” Ajinkya said after the win.
Voters included India’s chairman of selectors and former cricketer Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Sanjay Manjrekar, Balvinder Singh Sandhu, and Paras Mhambrey. The voter base also comprised members of maidan clubs, gymkhana clubs, and college representatives. Naik also aims to improve cricket at the famous Maidans of Mumbai and organise a career mela by inviting government and corporate heads to facilitate jobs for the Mumbai players. “Mumbai cricketers do not have regular jobs, they are merely temporary contract employment. I will request the government organisations and corporates to employ Mumbai players,” he said.