In a decision stirring debate across the Indian cricket community, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has, according to multiple reports, appointed Ankeet Chavan—once banned for life in connection with the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal—as head coach of its Under-14 team.
Chavan, a former Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, was one of three players—including S Sreesanth and Ajit Chandila—banned by the BCCI in 2013 following allegations of spot-fixing during the Indian Premier League. Though a Delhi trial court acquitted all three in 2015 citing lack of evidence, the BCCI upheld the bans until 2021. Chavan’s ban was eventually reduced to seven years, officially allowing his return to cricket that same year.
From life ban to fresh start
Chavan’s comeback has been steady. After serving his reduced suspension, he resumed club cricket duties with Karnataka Sports Club in Mumbai and successfully cleared the BCCI’s Level-1 coaching exam. His playing career includes 18 first-class matches for Mumbai, 20 List A games, and 13 IPL appearances for the Rajasthan Royals.
Now, the 37-year-old embarks on a new chapter—coaching Mumbai’s next generation of cricketers.
“This is a second innings for me, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. There is always a chance to make a comeback in life. I want to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for putting their faith in me. Coaching has always been on my mind, and I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead. At the Under-14 level, I want to focus on developing the players’ basic techniques to help them improve their game,” Chavan said in an interview with The Indian Express.
MCA shakes up coaching structure
Chavan’s appointment comes as part of a broader MCA revamp of its coaching and selection panel for the 2025-26 season. Omkar Salvi has been retained as head coach of the senior Ranji Trophy team, continuing in the role he held last season—a tenure that also earned him the position of bowling coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
In parallel, former India cricketer Sandeep Patil will remain chairman of the selection committee, ensuring continuity in leadership across age-group and senior-level cricket in Mumbai.
A controversial but calculated move
While the MCA’s decision to bring Chavan back into the system has raised eyebrows, it reflects a growing openness in Indian domestic cricket to rehabilitation and second chances—especially when players have cleared judicial scrutiny and demonstrated commitment post-ban.
For Chavan, the coaching role is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to rebuild his cricketing legacy from the grassroots up.
