It will be a memorable occasion when the Mumbai Cricket Assocoation (MCA), formerly known as the Bombay Cricket Association (BCA), plays its 500th Ranji Trophy match against Baroda at the Wankhede Stadium from Thursday, November 9.
A galaxy of Mumbai cricketers are likely to attend a commemorative function at the MCA-Recreation Centre at Bandra-Kurla Complex on Wednesday.
Quite clearly many Mumbai’s cricketers, who have been part and parcel of its 41 Ranji Trophy winning teams are thrilled that their team has reached a terrific milestone.
In statement to The Hindu , one of Mumbai’s greatest cricketing sons, Sunil Gavaskar said: “It’s a tremendous achievement to get to the 500th Ranji Trophy-match mark. It would be interesting to find out how many of those matches, Mumbai has won, which will be a pretty high percentage and that will probably tell you why it has won the Ranji Trophy so many times.’’
Furthermore Gavaskar said: “Mumbai is a city where talent is the only consideration and there is fierce competition to get anywhere. This inculcates a determination that is seldom matched. This determination is often referred to as being ‘ khadoos’ , or never-give-up attitude. In Mumbai there are often no second chances and that’s why Mumbai’s cricketers don’t give up trying.”
Gavaskar also touched upon the good mix that Mumbai has been able field for decades. “Mumbai being a cosmopolitan city also means that players from all communities are at ease with each other and the dressing room is a reflection of what ideal societies should be. Congratulations to the Mumbai Cricket Association for nurturing players over the years and making Mumbai such a champion team.’’
Dilip Vengsarkar, who has played many stellar roles and was a prominent feature in one of the greatest Ranji finals Mumbai played (against Haryana in the 1990-91 season) said: “Playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy is the ultimate dream of any Mumbai cricketer. Mumbai cricket has a great tradition and rich history.
“It has produced the maximum number of Test cricketers in the World. No State team in the World has a matching record. It has won the National title 41 times. While playing for Mumbai you learn to learn quickly, in particular the cricketing acumen which holds you in good stead when you go on to play for India.’’
Always big a draw at the Wankhede Stadium, Sandeep Patil is excited that MCA is celebrating a great occasion. He said: “Mumbai reaching yet another land mark! Took a lot of pride playing for this great team and I owe whatever little I have achieved to all those with whom I played with and all those who worked for the MCA.
Sanjay Manjrekar, summed up the occasion saying: “Mumbai cricket was my guardian as a young cricketer, after I lost my father at the age of 18.’’
In spite of being occupied with national duty, Sachin Tendulkar did not let go an opportunity to spend time in the Mumbai dressing room and turn out for it in important matches. “The Mumbai (Bombay) Ranji team has nurtured some of the finest cricketers in the country. Many of us have learnt a lot by being a part of the Ranji tournaments, getting the opportunity to play with and against the best cricketers in the country. Every Mumbai cricketer has taken great pride in wearing the lion-crested cap. Never taking it easy and the reluctance to rest on our past laurels has resulted in the Mumbai Ranji team being the force it is, over the years. Congratulations on playing the 500th Ranji match and wishing that the team continues to scale new heights and uphold its rich tradition.”
Chandrakant Pandit, who has kept wickets, led the team and coached it said: “It was always my dream to play for Mumbai; as history proves Mumbai was the Mecca of Indian cricket. I shared the dressing room with many legends and this inspired and motivated me. I consider it very lucky to be part of Mumbai teams for many years. Wishing Mumbai many more Ranji titles.’’
Amol Muzumdar who started with a bang for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match against Haryana said: “Ìt’s a gerat achievement. Just goes to show the dominance and enormous contribution of Mumbai cricket to India. Chest is full of pride when you talk about Mumbai cricket. It’s a massive moment. All the best to the current lot.’’
