Mumbai Cricket Association Remains Unperturbed by Test Match Exclusion
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has expressed no concern over not being allocated a Test match during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced that Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad will host the high-profile five-Test series scheduled for January-February next year.
MCA President Emphasizes Gratitude and Commitment
MCA president Ajinkya Naik addressed the situation at a felicitation function organized by Khar Gymkhana, which honored the MCA for winning the BCCI's 'Best Association' award for three consecutive years. "All day, everyone has been calling me about not getting a Test match. Truth be told, we are very happy with whatever the BCCI gives us. We will do a great job of hosting Zimbabwe for an ODI," Naik stated confidently.
Instead of a Test match, the MCA will host the third One Day International (ODI) between India and Zimbabwe on January 9 at the Wankhede Stadium. Naik reiterated the association's positive attitude toward the BCCI's decision during interactions with reporters at the event. "All matches are important, whether it is a Ranji Trophy game, an international fixture, the IPL, or a club match. All matches are the same for us," he emphasized.
No Disappointment Over Match Distribution
When questioned about potential disappointment regarding the distribution of matches in Mumbai, Naik responded with optimism. "We are happy that cricket is happening in Mumbai, and we will continue to work for the betterment of the game. Whatever our parent association gives us, we ensure that we follow it. We strictly implement all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)," he explained.
Speculation arose about whether the Wankhede Stadium's exclusion from the India-Australia Test series was due to its scheduled hosting of up to eight matches during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Naik declined to comment on this, stating, "Whatever the BCCI instructs us, we make sure that we implement it."
Discussion on Marquee Test Series Venues
The conversation shifted to whether high-profile Test series like India-Australia or India-England should be limited to four or five major centers, similar to practices in England and Australia. Naik clarified his position, saying, "I can only speak on behalf of the MCA. Any decision we take is done through our Apex Council. If it concerns the BCCI, you will have to ask the BCCI. I cannot comment on that."
The MCA's stance highlights a broader philosophy of supporting cricket at all levels without focusing solely on marquee events. This approach aligns with their recent recognition by the BCCI for excellence in association management.
- The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will feature five Tests across Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad.
- Mumbai will host the third ODI between India and Zimbabwe on January 9.
- MCA president Ajinkya Naik emphasizes equal importance for all cricket formats.
- The association strictly adheres to BCCI directives and SOPs for match hosting.
- MCA has won the BCCI's 'Best Association' award for three successive years.
