MCA Selectors drop two U-19 players on eve of departure

MUMBAI: The under-19 selectors of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Friday took a critical decision by dropping two players from the team on the eve of their

MUMBAI: The under-19 selectors of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Friday took a critical decision by dropping two players from the team on the eve of their departure for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy West Zone League to be played from October 3 to 7 at Pune.

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After selecting the 15-player squad on Wednesday, the selectors did a u-turn on batsman Rudra Dhande and pacer Mukund Sardar. The selectors added Shoaib Siddhiqui and Anjdeep Lad to the squad at the last minute.

The selectors conveyed their decision to the players on Friday morning when they were not picked in the playing XI for their second practice match.

HEARTBREAK

The unsavoury dropping at the last minute has left Dhande’s father disappointed. “It is nothing but humiliation. My son was told that he has not got runs in the first practice match and that is why he is being dropped. If he was not performing well then why was he selected in the squad in first place?” a furious father asked. Dhande scored 25 runs in the first practice match.

Dhande senior contemplated setting himself on fire in the MCA office on Saturday. He was, however, calmed down by his son later on. “I had contemplated on a lot of things. I even told my son to stop his cricket,” said Dhande’s father.

MCA’s joint secretary Dr PV Shetty will on Saturday call the selectors to understand the issue for the last minute change in their decision. “We generally do not question the selectors’ decision, but since many people have called me, I will call the selectors tomorrow to understand the matter,” said Shetty.

KANGA CONCLUDES

Meanwhile, the MCA decided to not conduct the last two rounds of the Dr HD Kanga Cricket League as there cannot be any relegation or promotion with nine rounds being washed out.