T20 Mumbai League: Balvinder Singh Sandhu may end association with Mumbai North

BS Sandhu

Though the T20 Mumbai League promises to be a grand affair, the build-up to the event has been scratchy so far, with the tournament just five days away. First, there was the last-minute pull-out by a team which was the highest bidder following which the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) found a new owner within 24 hours for its sixth team. Yesterday, mid-day learnt that India's 1983 World Cupper Balvinder Singh Sandhu is unlikely to continue as head coach of the Mumbai North team.

Sources said that Sandhu shot off an email, urging the franchise to issue an appointment letter along with contract details before taking any further part in his job. However, a team official of the Mumbai North franchise insisted that Sandhu decided to quit due to other coaching commitments. Sandhu did not offer any comment.

It is learnt that the franchise has already approached former Mumbai Ranji Trophy-winning coach Sulakshan Kulkarni to take Sandhu's place. A formal meeting between Kulkarni and the team owners is scheduled at the BKC club today. If Kulkarni is appointed, he will reunite with Ajinkya Rahane, who will lead the team which is called Mumbai Panthers.

Sandhu played an important role in strategising for Mumbai North during the auction last Saturday.

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