AJINKYA NAIK is set to be elected as the new president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). At 38, Naik becomes the youngest individual to assume the role, emerging as a consensus choice among various factions after a series of dramatic developments in recent days.
Following the close of the extended withdrawal window on Monday evening, election officer J. S. Saharia released the final list of valid candidates. Apart from the presidential post, there will be direct elections for the remaining four office-bearer positions, while 20 candidates will contest the 11 available councillor seats.
“My heart lies in maidan cricket — I will work for every player, every club, and for the bright future of Mumbai cricket,” Naik said.
Naik’s nomination was initially challenged by Shahalam Shaikh, a contender for the secretary’s post, on the grounds that Naik was subject to a mandatory cooling-off period after serving six consecutive years in the MCA apex council. Naik had served as a councillor from 2019, was elected secretary in 2022, and assumed the role of president last year following the passing of then-president Amol Kale.
Despite seven other candidates being in contention, sources told Sportstar that after several rounds of discussions among MCA heavyweights and influential political leaders including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sharad Pawar, Naik emerged as the unanimous choice.
Meanwhile, Rajdip Gupta will be elected unopposed as the chairman of the MCA T20 League Governing Council.
