The Mumbai Cricket Association has resolved to expand its financial subsidy corpus for affiliated clubs to Rs 500 crore over the next decade during its annual general meeting. Alongside the major funding enhancement, the governing body announced plans to dedicate stadium lounges at the iconic Wankhede facility to cricketing figures Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, and late administrator Madhav Mantri.
The sweeping financial and structural decisions aim to fortify grassroots cricket operations across Mumbai. MCA president Ajinkya Naik outlined that the association will progressively build the endowment fund through annual contributions of Rs 40 crore, ensuring long-term institutional stability for local clubs, maidan academies, and school programs.
Financial Restructuring and Ten-Year Endowment Mechanism
The decision to scale up the subsidy program marks a substantial evolution from earlier fiscal frameworks established by the governing body. In April of the same year, the MCA apex council had initially approved a Rs 100 crore subsidy corpus to support local cricket infrastructure. During the general meeting, officials confirmed that the scope had been significantly broadened to a Rs 500 crore framework designed to run over a ten-year duration.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik explained the mechanics of the financial model to members in attendance. "We won't distribute 500 crores. It's like an endowment fund. You keep this Rs 500 crore in a fixed deposit and from it, the interest gets distributed. So right now it's 100 crores, so every year it will go up 40, 40, 40 crores and then in next 10 years it will be 500 crores," Naik stated. The resulting interest will be allocated directly to clubs to manage equipment purchases, logistical requirements, and facility maintenance.
Stadium Tributes for Mumbai Icons and Administrators
In addition to the financial reforms, the association voted to establish permanent tributes within Wankhede Stadium. Designated lounges will be named in honour of Sachin Tendulkar, recently retired Test batter Ajinkya Rahane, and the late Madhav Mantri, who served as a Mumbai captain and association president while representing India in four Test matches.
The selection of locations for these tributes has been delegated to a newly formed three-member oversight committee. The appointed panel includes MCA vice-president Jitendra Awhad, apex council member Milind Narvekar, and advocate Ujwal Nikam. Officials noted that the committee will survey available areas within the stadium complex to determine the most appropriate spaces for the dedicated lounges.
Broadening Recognition Through an Institutional Honour Wall
The general meeting also addressed broader historical recognition for contributors to regional cricket. The association approved the construction of an official honour wall within its premises to commemorate individuals whose work has shaped the sport across Mumbai over decades.
According to association leadership, the monument will acknowledge figures from affiliated clubs, school circuits, and administrative office staff alike. "From clubs, from office staff, everybody who has contributed in Mumbai cricket will be honoured in that wall," Naik affirmed during the proceedings. The initiative broadens official recognition beyond star players to encompass grassroots organizers and support personnel.
Governance Appointments and Committee Extensions
Administrative updates during the annual gathering included key judicial and executive appointments. Former Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Amjad Sayed was officially appointed as the new ombudsman for the association, taking charge of dispute resolution mechanisms.
the MCA cricket committee received an official tenure extension. Raju Kulkarni will continue to lead the committee as president, supported by members Sangita Katware and Preeti Dimri. Additionally, the governing council filled vacant seats through uncontested elections, formally declaring Rajdip Gupta and Bharat Keni elected unopposed.
