Shiv Sena today announced its support to the group led by former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar for the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) elections.
Published: Jul 01, 2011, 05:22 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 01, 2011, 05:22 PM (IST)
Dilip Vengsarkar is currently vice-president and will be contesting for the post of MCA president © AFP
Mumbai: Jul 1, 2011
Shiv Sena today announced its support to the group led by former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar for the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) elections.
“Due to politicisation in cricket administration, players have been distanced (from administration). Have politicians like Sharad Pawar and Vilasrao Deshmukh held a cricket bat in their hands ever?”, Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said.
The Sena leader said when his party objects to Pakistani players, it is always told not to bring politics in the game of cricket.
“What are these politicians then doing in cricket?”, he asked.
Uddhav said his party is of the view that political interference has destroyed cricket and money has gained priority.
“We feel the MCA polls is the right opportunity to save cricket and throw politicians out of the MCA pitch,” he said.
Uddhav said though it was not wrong for politicians to have a liking for the game, ruling the cricket board was a different issue altogether.
“Even the Shiv Sena chief (Bal Thackeray) is an ardent cricket fan but is opposed to politics on the cricket field. Why should politicians rule MCA?”, he asked.
Vengsarkar, who is contesting for the post of MCA president, will take on incumbent and NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Union Rural Development Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh in a three-way battle to take control of the Association in the July 15 polls.
Both Vengsarkar and Deshmukh are currently MCA vice- presidents.
© PTI
