Ajinkya Naik: Mumbai Cricket Association Youngest President

Election Results and Significance

• Ajinkya Naik elected as Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president
• Defeated vice-president Sanjay Naik by 107 votes (221 to 114)
• At 37, becomes the youngest MCA president in history
• Election held due to the passing of former president Amol Kale
• 335 total votes cast in the election

Ajinkya Naik's Background and Support

• Previously served as MCA secretary
• Involved with MCA since 2015 in various capacities
• Campaigned as a representative of "maidan cricket"
• Received support from maidan club secretaries, schools, and college gymkhana secretaries
• Acknowledged "unseen powers" backing his candidacy
• Mentioned Sharad Pawar as a mentor and source of blessings
• Possible tacit support from other political leaders, including some BJP figures

Election Context and Political Dynamics

• Ajinkya Naik vs. Sanjay Naik (no relation) contest
• Sanjay Naik supported by BJP heavyweight and BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar
• Sharad Pawar's distancing from the election seen as disapproval of Sanjay's candidacy
• Ajinkya's father-in-law is a legislator, potentially influencing political support
• Election became increasingly political in the week leading up to the vote

Future Plans and Priorities

• Focus on generating employment opportunities for young cricketers
• Plans to organize a career fair involving government organizations and corporates
• Aim to secure permanent jobs for players, many of whom are on contract basis
• Recently started a Knowledge Centre, with plans to expand its impact
• Commitment to improving cricket infrastructure in Mumbai