MCA election campaign gathers momentum

Campaigning gathered momentum for the elections in the Mumbai Cricket Association on January 19 with both heavyweights, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar and former India captain Ajit Wadekar on Wednesday expressing confidence they would be elected to the top post in the body.

While Pawar said his aim was to unite the office-bearers, Wadekar felt his vast experience would help him do a good job.

Pawar told PTI in Mumbai on Wednesday he has to ensure that there is just one team working after the elections and for that to happen "I should stand like a rock. Basically, people who occupy these posts (MCA President) do not have to interfere with selection and technical committees. Their aim is to use their position in society for the betterment of the game," he added.

"I am not at all worried about defeat as even greats like Madhav Apte, Vijay Merchant and Duleepsinghji have lost elections related to sports," Pawar said. In fact, I honestly feel a person like Sunil Gavaskar should lead this organisation and he truly deserves it," he added.

Pawar also praised his opponent Wadekar for his immense contribution to the game as player, captain, manager and selector.

Meanwhile, Wadekar told PTI he was confident of winning and with his vast experience as cricketer, administrator and MCA vice-president for eight years, he should be able to do a good job.