The buzz in Mumbai cricket circles is that whether present president Sharad Pawar can contest the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) elections.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief may have put himself in a spot of bother after he finally declared his intentions to contest the July 15 polls.


Sharad Pawar

His opposition for are pointing to this item (3.3) in the ICC constitution:u00a0u00a0 Duties of the President states: The President shall, in addition to any other duties imposed on him under the Articles of Association of the Council, act as chairman at Conference and Special Meetings and at Executive Board meetings and be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the policies of the Council, liaising with the governing bodies for cricket throughout the world, presenting the annual report of the Council's activities to Conference, and initiating or responding to matters which he considers in the interests of Council. During the term of his office, the President shall not hold any office under, or perform any executive duties for, any Cricket Authority.

However, Pawar supporters said the rule applies to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and not state associations.

MiD DAY is awaiting a response from the ICC.

Pawar will strive to defend his MCA president's post against former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar. Former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh may throw his hat in the ring for the MCA top position.