Naik poised for uncontested return as MCA president
Ajinkya Naik is set to retain the top post at the Mumbai Cricket Association after a dramatic yet unified withdrawal of all other presidential contenders on Monday, clearing his path to an unopposed victory. According to multiple reports, the development followed a wave of candidate withdrawals on the last day for rescinding nominations, effectively ending the race ahead of the November 12 elections.
Naik, who previously won the presidency in 2024 after the passing of Amol Kale, positioned his continued leadership as a commitment to Mumbai’s cricketing fabric. “My heart lies in Maidan Cricket — I will work for every player, every club, and for the bright future of Mumbai cricket,” he told Times of India.
His track record includes unveiling the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum, commissioning statues of Sunil Gavaskar and Sharad Pawar, and initiating a tribute to Dilip Vengsarkar at Wankhede Stadium — efforts that earned him strong backing among administrators and stakeholders.
Senior figures emphasise continuity and consensus
Among those who stepped aside was former India women’s captain Diana Edulji, who said her decision was shaped by a desire to maintain stability within the association. “I withdrew my candidature in the interest of continuity,” she said, as quoted by Times of India.
Edulji added that Naik’s commitment to advancing women’s cricket played a significant role in her withdrawal. “It was an emotional moment; we had won a women’s World Cup. I wanted continuity to continue because of what he (Ajinkya) has done in those one year I witnessed that,” Edulji speaking at the MCA office, as quoted by Indian Express. She further explained the importance of sustaining the progress already made. “The amount of encouragement he has given to women’s cricket and brought women’s cricket to a certain level, I did not want to spoil that, and be a speed breaker,” she added.
Her decision reflected a broader sentiment of unity, especially as political leaders and MCA veterans coalesced around Naik’s candidacy.
Political consensus shapes unopposed outcome
The consolidation of support around Naik was also influenced by political consensus among key Maharashtra leaders. Prasad Lad highlighted the collective approach that guided the finalised list of candidates. “In cricket, we have never brought politics. Ajinkya had only been president for 11 months before, and he did good work. Be it our CM Devendra Fadnavis, state leader Sharad Pawar and Ashish Shelar, all have kept a close eye on cricket. Whatever they have decided is acceptable to us, and we will work for the development of the game,” Prasad said, as quoted by Indian Express.
Lad reiterated that senior leadership had aligned behind Naik’s continued tenure. “Pawar saheb has never brought politics into cricket. The chief minister, Pawar saheb, and Ashish Shelar have decided the list, and we will go according to that,” Prasad added.
The unified withdrawal of seven candidates — including Edulji, Lad, Milind Narvekar, Jitendra Awhad, Shahalam Shaikh, Vihang Sarnaik and Suraj Samat — ensured that Naik would face no challenger for the presidency.
Elections to decide remaining MCA posts
While the presidency is now uncontested, elections for the posts of vice-president, secretary, treasurer, joint secretary and nine apex council positions will proceed as scheduled. The upcoming ballots will determine the composition of the body that works alongside the president to implement cricketing and administrative reform across Mumbai.
Naik now prepares for a new term backed by endorsement from political leaders, administrators, and former players — a united front that positions him to press ahead with reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots structures, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding support for women’s cricket across the city.
