MCA to donate Rs 1 crore for drought victims in state

MCA president Sharad Pawar

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) yesterday decided to donate R1 crore to the Chief Minister relief fund for drought victims in Maharashtra.


MCA president Sharad Pawar

There was a proposal from one of the MCA members to organise a charity match involving Mumbai's cricketing heroes for the social cause, but to work out modalities would take some time. The MCA, instead, decided to donate the amount from its kitty.

"Members felt considerable time would be lost in figuring out players' availability. The president (Sharad Pawar) said the situation needs urgent help and it was unanimously decided to donate Rs 1 crore towards the Chief Minister relief fund for drought vicitims in Maharashtra," MCA's Joint Honorary Secretary Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar informed mid-day after yesterday's Managing Committee meeting.

Pawar, the former Union agriculture minister, recently toured Maharashtra's drought-affected regions especially Marathwada where the rainfall has been very poor. "The drought situation in Maharashtra is quite grim. Pawarsaab and Ashish Shelar (MCA vice-president and BJP's Mumbai chief) apprised the members about the ground situation and everyone felt we should help the victims," MCA's Joint Honorary Secretary Dr PV Shetty elaborated on the decision.

Meanwhile, the minimum tickets rates for the India vs South Africa October 25 ODI at the Wankhede Stadium will be Rs 1000 (Sunil Gavaskar stand, lower level). The maximum price for a ticket is R12,500 (Garware Pavilion). Dr Shetty said the MCA has "principally decided" to host the much-awaited Mumbai Premier League T20 this year.

No action against Tambe
MCA has decided not to take any action against leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who played an unofficial match in USA with banned Bangladeshi cricketer Mohd Ashraful last month without taking a No Objection Certificate from the MCA. "Pravin has apologised. He had no plans to play there, but happened to accidentally participate in the tournament. We have warned him to be careful and not take the rules lightly," said Dr Shetty.