Former Test batsman loses out in battle with Kale for president’s post at Thursday’s Mumbai Cricket Association elections
Sandeep Patil. Pic/File pic
Mumbai Cricket Association's newly elected president Amol Kale revealed that the battle for the association's top post with former India cricketer Sandeep Patil was not an easy one.
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Kale garnered 183 votes, while Patil got 158 at the elections held at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
MCA’s new president Amol Kale (right) at the Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Sameer Markande
“The election wasn’t easy. Sandeep Patil was a tough competitor. The credit for this win goes to [Sharad] Pawar saheb, [Ashish] Shelar and our team. We will fulfil our promises," Kale told mid-day when asked about the competition with Patil.
Kale, who was the vice-president in Dr Vijay Patil's tenure as chief, wants to utilise Patil's expertise for the benefit of Mumbai cricket. Kale remarked: "We will look to utilise Patil’s cricketing expertise; have many plans for Mumbai cricket. I will look to improve facilities at the grounds, and prepare new grounds. We want to develop indoor cricket academies in Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Also read: Sandeep Patil, Amol Kale face off for president’s post at MCA elections
Patil was gracious in defeat. “See, here, Mumbai cricket is important. I don’t know politics. The way these politicians came together (in the MCA elections), I expect and wish that it remains the same. Whether it’s a cricket match or an election, both are tough. And you’ve already got the result,” Patil said.
The 1983 World Cup-winning team member congratulated the newly elected body and offered to help them in every possible way. “I congratulate them [MCA's new committee]. I’m ready to help them in whichever way they want. I and my team have accepted this defeat, it was a fair election. I will whole-heartedly support the new body 100 per cent. I expect them to take Mumbai cricket forward,” Patil added.