The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is all set to host their first World Cup match here after a gap of 27 years when India take on Bangladesh at the MCA Stadium in Gahunje on Thursday.

Interestingly, current MCA secretary Shubhendra Bhandarkar was among the state’s Ranji probables, watching the 1996 World Cup fixture from the Nehru Stadium (Pune’s erstwhile main cricket venue) stands when Kenya outclassed Richie Richardson’s mighty West Indies by 73 runs.  
 
“I was just 26 then and was one of the 30 Maharashtra Ranji probables. I watched how Kenya shocked the West Indies from the South Stand. That was a really good game. It taught us that anyone can beat a strong team if you play to potential,” Bhandarkar told mid-day on Tuesday.