E-Paper
Clubs disappointed by Kanga call-offs
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) decision to cancel Sunday’s Dr HD Kanga Cricket League matches has not gone down well with several teams. This is
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) decision to cancel Sunday’s Dr HD Kanga Cricket League matches has not gone down well with several teams. This is the fourth consecutive round of matches that have been ‘washed out’.
“The sub-committee members carried out an inspection on Saturday and noticed that many grounds were unable to roll the pitch. Taking into consideration all the factors it was advised to cancel the matches,” Kanga League secretary Deepak Patil told HT.
However, maidan clubs from Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan, Shivaji Park and Matunga’s Dadkar Maidan whom HT spoke to felt the conditions were good enough to play the monsoon league games. In fact, some clubs held a full practice session on Saturday in anticipation.
Javed Kudia, authorised signatory of Azad Maidan-based clubs Young Mohamedan Cricket Club and Muslim United SC, said his club grounds were in fine shape. “My grounds are very much in playable conditions. Almost all pitches at Azad Maidan are in good condition,” said Kudia.
Vineet Mehta, who coaches Shivaji Park-based Young Maharashtra Cricket Club team, was shocked by MCA’s decision to cancel the matches. “This is very surprising because we had a practice session in the morning and had no problem with the conditions. Yes, it was a bit wet, but that is the essence of Kanga League. Other pitches at Shivaji Park looked in a better shape,” Mehta said.
Tehmul Dahiwala, who looks after Dadar Parsi Colony Sports Club at Matunga’s Dadkar Maidan, was furious with no action this Sunday as well. “Are they (MCA) expecting dry conditions? Then they should not call this a Kanga League.
“The beauty of this tournament is to play in testing and difficult conditions. There’s no point to schedule the tournament in July if you don’t want to play in wet conditions,” said Dahiwala.
