MCA polls: Association defends itself as petitioners cry foul

Both sides have presented their respective positions, but for now it is the Bombay High Court that has stepped in to maintain status quo. On Monday, the Bombay High Court had stayed the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) elections that were scheduled to be held the following day, after making prima facie observations on alleged irregularities and concerns over transparency in the process.

Former India cricketer Kedar Jadhav, one of the petitioners in the case, raised objections to the recent increase in the number of life members within the association. According to Jadhav, the decision to expand the list of life members in a short span of time appeared unnecessary and raised questions about the intent behind the move. Speaking to News India Arena, he also expressed concern over the election schedule, which was fixed between 7 am and 10 am on January 6, describing it as unusual.

The MCA, however, has maintained that the steps taken were in line with its objective of broader representation. Association secretary Kamlesh Pisal clarified that the increase in numbers was aimed at accommodating members from affiliated district associations. “We have 21 affiliated districts, and there is nothing inappropriate in including their representatives. That was the reason behind the increase,” Pisal said while responding to the allegations.

Founded in 1934, the MCA has traditionally had a limited number of life members, a figure that had not exceeded 154 for decades. The recent addition of members, taking the total beyond 500, has nevertheless prompted debate within cricketing circles. While some stakeholders have questioned the pace and scale of the expansion, the association has reiterated that district representatives have not been granted life-member privileges and that the exercise was carried out to strengthen inclusivity.

An insider within the association, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the sudden rise in numbers had surprised many, underscoring the need for clearer communication and uniform procedures to avoid controversy.

The elections were meant to determine the MCA office-bearers for the 2026-2029 term, but now stand deferred following the court’s intervention. The petitions were filed by Jadhav—who had submitted his nomination for the councillor’s post—along with the Latur District Cricket Association, former MCA secretary and life member Anant Mate and Sir Parashurambhau College, an MCA member institution.

As the matter awaits further hearing in February, stakeholders across the spectrum will hope that the outcome strengthens transparency and governance, ensuring that the focus returns to the growth and betterment of cricket in Maharashtra.