The election for the post of secretary of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to be held on September 3 has become even more interesting. According to a report in the Times of India, the candidature of MCA’s top council member Suraj Samat has been proposed by none other than cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This is the first time that Tendulkar has proposed the name of a candidate in the MCA elections.

Let us tell you that Suraj Samat’s nomination has also been supported by late MCA president Amol Kale’s wife Meenal. Now in the upcoming election, he will face fellow apex council member Abhay Hadap. Candidates can file their nomination for the post between 21-26 August. For information, let us tell you that MCA’s previous secretary Ajinkya Naik was elected as the new president of the association on 23 July after the untimely demise of Amol Kale.

Suraj Samat said this in his statement after being selected as the candidate

“I am contesting for the post of Honorary Secretary of MCA with great enthusiasm and deep commitment. My passion for the game and dedication to the cricket community motivates me to carry forward the vision of our esteemed former President Amol Kale and serve him. I pledge to carry forward his legacy of transparency, inclusiveness and empowering our members.”

Samat also expressed his intention to revive the T20 Mumbai League, last held in 2019

“My focus will be on ensuring the success of initiatives like the Mumbai Premier League, which will provide an important platform for talented cricketers from Mumbai. With the support of our members, guidance from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and the trust shown in me by Meenal Amol Kale and the world, I am confident that I will be able to bring about positive change and contribute to MCA’s legacy of excellence in Indian cricket.”

Suraj Samat’s opponent in the election Hadap said-

“I am contesting the MCA secretary election with the support of club secretaries, cricketers and seniors who carry forward the legacy of Mumbai cricket. I have been working as a volunteer at the grassroots level for the last 35 years and have been handling ticketing and tournaments for the last five years. I will work for the betterment of all the clubs as well as cricketers.”