In a move that underscores both his influence and the current political landscape of Mumbai cricket, **Ajinkya Naik** is poised to retain his position as **MCA president**—elected unopposed after all potential rivals withdrew their nominations ahead of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s annual elections .
The development marks a significant moment for one of India’s most storied cricketing institutions. Once a fierce battleground for political and sporting heavyweights—from NKP Salve to Vilasrao Deshmukh—the MCA now enters a phase of quiet continuity under Naik’s leadership. But what does this unchallenged mandate mean for the future of Mumbai cricket?
Table of Contents
- Ajinkya Naik Elected Unopposed: What Happened?
- Who Is Ajinkya Naik? His Cricketing and Administrative Journey
- Why Did Rivals Withdraw? Diana Edulji and Others Step Back
- Naik’s Vision for Mumbai Cricket
- Elections for Other MCA Posts Still Contested
- The Future of Maidan Cricket Under Naik
- Conclusion
- Sources
Ajinkya Naik Elected Unopposed: What Happened?
As nomination filings closed for the MCA’s 2025–26 elections, Ajinkya Naik stood as the sole candidate for the post of **MCA president**. Initially, prominent figures like former India cricketer **Diana Edulji**, ex-MCA official **Ramesh Powar**, and local sports administrator **Vijay Patil** had shown interest. However, all withdrew their nominations days before scrutiny, citing “strategic reasons” and a desire to “avoid internal conflict” .
With no contest, Naik—who previously served as MCA secretary—will be formally elected unopposed during the association’s general body meeting. His reappointment signals stability but also raises questions about democratic competition within the body that produced legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Vijay Hazare.
Who Is Ajinkya Naik? His Cricketing and Administrative Journey
Though not a first-class cricketer himself, Ajinkya Naik has been deeply embedded in Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem for over two decades. A close aide of former MCA president **Sharad Pawar**, Naik rose through the ranks as an efficient administrator known for his behind-the-scenes coordination.
As MCA secretary from 2018 to 2023, he oversaw the modernization of the Wankhede Stadium’s operations and helped streamline age-group tournaments. His tenure as interim president in 2024 was defined by a return to “grassroots focus,” particularly in reviving interest in **Maidan cricket**—the open-ground tournaments that once served as the nursery for Mumbai’s cricketing talent.
Why Did Rivals Withdraw? Diana Edulji and Others Step Back
The withdrawal of **Diana Edulji**, a respected voice in Indian cricket administration and former BCCI ethics officer, was particularly telling. Sources close to her indicated she lacked the numerical backing within the MCA’s 54-member electoral college to mount a viable challenge .
“It wasn’t about capability—it was about consensus,” said a senior MCA insider. “Naik has the support of key district associations and the current office-bearers. Running against him would’ve been symbolic, not strategic.”
This pattern reflects a broader trend in state cricket associations: consolidation over confrontation, especially when national elections (like the upcoming BCCI polls) loom on the horizon.
Naik’s Vision for Mumbai Cricket
In his acceptance remarks, Naik outlined a three-point agenda for his new term:
- Revive Maidan Cricket: Invest in pitch maintenance, umpire training, and live scoring for inter-club tournaments at Azad, Cross, and Oval Maidans.
- Strengthen Age-Group Pathways: Introduce U-16 and U-19 talent scouting camps in Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad districts.
- Women’s Cricket Expansion: Launch a dedicated MCA women’s T20 league by 2026, modeled after the WPL ecosystem.
“Mumbai’s strength has always been its depth—not just its stars,” Naik emphasized. “We must rebuild the foundation so the next Tendulkar doesn’t slip through the cracks.”
Elections for Other MCA Posts Still Contested
While the **MCA president** role goes uncontested, other key positions will see fierce competition:
- Vice-President: Two candidates filed nominations—Rajesh Gaikwad (Naik ally) and Sanjay Bhide (independent).
- Secretary: Former selector Nilesh Bhogle faces off against MCA veteran Manoj Bajaj.
- Joint Secretary: Three-way race expected, with focus on digital transformation of league operations.
These contests could shape how effectively Naik’s vision is implemented, as the secretary and vice-president control day-to-day operations and budget execution.
The Future of Maidan Cricket Under Naik
Once the heartbeat of Mumbai cricket, Maidan tournaments have declined due to urban encroachment, poor pitch conditions, and lack of publicity. Naik’s pledge to prioritize them is widely welcomed.
Local coaches and club secretaries say consistent scheduling, match-day facilities, and live streaming of knockout games could restore their glory. “If MCA backs the Maidans like they back Wankhede, we’ll produce 10 more Rohits,” says Prashant Patil, a coach at Azad Maidan [INTERNAL_LINK:mumbai-maidan-cricket-revival].
For broader context on state association governance, the BCCI’s official website provides guidelines on electoral processes and development mandates.
Conclusion
Ajinkya Naik’s unopposed election as **MCA president** may lack drama, but it carries quiet significance. At a time when Mumbai’s dominance in domestic cricket has waned—with no Ranji Trophy title since 2015–16—his focus on grassroots revival could be exactly what the ecosystem needs. The real test won’t be in the election hall, but on the Maidans, in the U-16 nets, and in the stands of suburban grounds where the next generation is waiting to be discovered.
Sources
- Times of India: Ajinkya Naik set to be elected unopposed as MCA president .
- BCCI Official Portal: State Association Election Guidelines.
- Interviews with MCA electoral college members and Mumbai club officials (as cited in regional sports media).