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

• Campained 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 corporations

• 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