[[{“value”:”
The Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) annual awards function on Wednesday evening was a star-studded affair, graced by some of the big names of the game.
Former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar, chief guest of the evening, hailed the MCA’s structure across various age groups. “Mumbai has a good cricket structure with the Harris Shield and Giles Shield for schools, the U-19 and inter-collegiate tournaments, among others, over the years that serve as the supply line for Mumbai cricket,” Vengsarkar told an audience that also included India legend Sunil Gavaskar and former India pacer Raju Kulkarni among others.
Chandu Patankar and Shobha Pandit. Pics/G Krishnan
Kulkarni, who played three Tests in the 1980s, advised youngsters to “be grateful and not to take things for granted.”
Mumbai’s teen batter Ayush Mhatre, 18, could not agree more. “Thanks to MCA for giving me such a big opportunity at a young age. Batting across Mumbai’s maidans is difficult. Pitches are tough, but I love playing at maidans like Cross Maidan, Shivaji Park, Oval Maidan… they have helped me succeed at the higher level,” said Mhatre, who made his first-class debut at 17 in the Irani Cup before leading India to the ICC U-19 World Cup title earlier this year in Zimbabwe.
Besides rewarding achievers in juniors, seniors, men and women, MCA honoured former Test player Chandu Patankar, 95, and ex-women’s Test cricketer Shobha Pandit, 70, with the Lifetime Achievement award.
“}]]
