MCA set precedence by appointing a woman as senior office-bearer

The idea of allowing women participating in managerial positions is catching up. Cricket to lately has seen shift its focus on women’s game. In a unprecedented move, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday set history by appointing a woman, Priyanka Thorave, as its treasurer. This is the first time that a woman will attain a post of a senior office-bearer of a state cricket association or even the BCCI. The state associations seem to have been impressed by Committee of Administrators (CoA) that asked them to appoint one or two women representatives in the governing body.

Abhay Apte was announced as the President, while Priyanka was selected as the treasurer.  The previous treasurer, Vikas Katakar, had quit on health grounds. Priyanka received backing from President Apte.

On being appointed as the treasurer, Apte spoke to The Times of India and said, “This is perhaps the first time in the history of BCCI that a woman office-bearer has been elected. Priyanka represents one of the founder clubs, the Club of Maharashtra, here and her appointment was unanimous in the general body of MCA. Everyone supported her candidature and she rightly deserves to be in cricket administration.” Apart from her President, Priyanka herself was elated, “I am overwhelmed by the support of the MCA members. I hope to give it my best shot and hopefully I can prove my worth in the association. I am looking forward to working for the game.”

Priyanka has been associated with cricket administration for four years. She is a management professional who has worked for multinational e-retail company. “I played cricket during my childhood days but now I follow the game passionately,” Priyanka added.

However, there was pressure on Apte to take over the presidency role as there was no responsible candidate to handle the upcoming India and New Zealand series.