MCA to ask BCCI to lift ban on Ankeet Chavan

FIRST it was the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and now it’s the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) who it is learnt will approach the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to revoke the life-ban placed upon their state player embroiled in the IPL spot-fixing controversy. A day after the KCA threw their weight behind fast bowler Sreesanth, the MCA have followed suit in backing left-arm spinner Ankeet Chavan against the severe penalty laid upon him by the Indian board, now that a Delhi trial court has cleared the two along with Ajit Chandila of fixing charges.

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The MCA is scheduled to hold a managing committee meeting on August 2, and it is then that they are likely to draft and dispatch a letter to BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur about reconsidering Chavan’s life-ban.

According to a MCA offiical who spoke to The Indian Express, the members were hopeful that the BCCI would show mercy to Chavan after they were exonerated by the Patiala House Court on Saturday.

“These players’ names have already been tarnished, and they have gone through a lot. As far as Chavan’s case is concerned, we know that his chances of playing for India are far from reality. But by lifting the life ban, he will at least get a chance to play club cricket. That would help him get his job back,” the official said.

Prior to the IPL scandal, both Chavan and Chandila were employed with Air-India. But once they were arrested by the Delhi Police based on allegations of them having indulged in spot-fixing while donning Rajasthan Royals colours, the two cricketers were suspended by their employers. It is relaibly learnt that Chavan himself has requested a few MCA officials to find a way for him to play club cricket again.

Chavan, meanwhile, said, “I just want to play cricket, this is my only request. Whatever has happened has happened. No one can change that but I hope I will get a chance to play again, be it at any level.”

Jaffer seeks NOC from MCA

Meanwhile, in another development, veteran Mumbai batsman and former captain, Wasim Jaffer, has written an application to the MCA to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) so that he can represent Vidarbha in the forthcoming domestic season. Jaffer’s move to the central zone team ends a two-decade association with Mumbai. Jaffer, who is currently in England, confirmed having written to the MCA.

“I will be representing Vidarbha in the coming season, and I have accordingly written to the MCA seeking a NOC,” said Jaffer.