MUMBAI: Ajinkya Naik on Tuesday became the new president of Mumbai Cricket Association after defeating his rival Sanjay Naik by 107 votes.
Ajinkwa, the incumbent MCA general secretary, recorded a lopsided victory by a landslide victory of 221-114.
Backed by veteran politician and former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar, the 37-year-old Ajinkya becomes the youngest president in the history of the MCA.
His opponent, Sanjay, is the current vice-president of the MCA and is backed by the Ashish Sherar Group, a BJP leader who is also the treasurer of the BCCI.
The election process, which began on July 4, was initiated following the untimely death of Amol Kale in New York early last month, when he had visited the city along with other MCA officials to watch the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.
“This victory is a testament to Amol Kale’s exemplary achievements. I will strive to replicate his dedication and passion towards improving the quality of cricket in Mumbai and carry his legacy into the future,” Ajinkya said in a statement.
A total of 335 votes were cast on Tuesday afternoon, with India’s chairman of selectors and former India and Mumbai cricketers Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Sanjay Manjrekar, Balvinder Singh Sandhu and Paras Muhambray also casting their votes.
Voters included members of the Maidan Club, Gymkhana Club and university representatives.
Announcing the results, Election Commissioner JS Saharia said: “The votes were counted in 14 rounds. No candidate representatives challenged the ballot papers and all votes have been considered valid.”
“At the end of the counting, Mr Sanjay Naik had secured 114 votes and Ms Ajinkya Naik had secured 221 valid votes. As at the end of the counting, no candidate sought a recount and therefore the AGM was reconvened and Mr Ajinkya Naik was announced as the elected MCA president.”
“This is a victory for Maidan cricket. It is a victory for Maidan club secretaries, school and college gymkhana secretaries and all former cricketers. I am only their representative,” Ajinkha told media shortly after his win.
“I have been serving MCA in various capacities since 2015 and it is only thanks to the Maidan Club and its secretaries that I have been able to make it through the pyramid-like journey.”
Speaking about recording the one-sided victory, Ajinkha said, “I had expected it but kept quiet till the results were officially declared. It was cricket and many unseen forces in the sport that supported me. But undoubtedly, our mentor is Sharad Pawar. He has supported me.”
Shelar, a Mumbai BJP strongman and current BCCI treasurer, said all political parties would work together for the betterment of cricket.
“It was a friendly match and Ajinkha Naik won it. Now we will all work hard for the development of the association. He (Ajinkha) will have my support. We will focus on developing Mumbai players and providing them with the best facilities.”
“Our candidate Sanjay Naik fought in the right sporting spirit. I will urge him to work with everyone for the good of our family (cricket community).”
Published July 23, 2024 16:00 IST
