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Ajinkya Naik re-elected as MCA president after Pawar-Shelar group registers clean sweep

Akshita Patel

MCA elections conclude with landslide victory [Source: @MumbaiCricAssoc/X.com]MCA elections conclude with landslide victory [Source: @MumbaiCricAssoc/X.com]

The Ajinkya Naik panel has recorded a landslide victory in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) elections. Naik was re-elected unopposed as president for a second consecutive term, with his panel winning 12 out of 16 key positions.

Naik’s success was backed by some of the most influential figures in Maharashtra politics and cricket, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sharad Pawar, the former head of the MCA, BCCI, and ICC. 

Their support came under the banner of the Pawar-Shelar group, named after Ashish Shelar, another key political and cricket administrator in the state.

Ajinkya Naik and his aides dominate MCA elections

Alongside Ajinkya Naik, several other members of his panel secured major administrative posts. Unmesh Khanvilkar was elected as the new secretary, defeating Shahalam Shaikh, while Jitendra Awhad emerged victorious as vice-president, beating Navin Shetty.

The post of joint secretary went to Nilesh Bhosle, who overcame Gaurav Payyade, and Arman Mallick won the race for treasurer, defeating Surendra Shewale.

After the results were announced on Wednesday evening, Ajinkya Naik expressed his gratitude, dedicating the victory to Mumbai’s grassroots cricket community.

"It's a victory for our Maidan clubs, secretaries, and every cricketer - men and women. This win belongs to the entire Mumbai Cricket family. With the powerful support of Hon'ble Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji and Sharad Pawar ji, this success became possible," Naik told reporters.

In addition, the following were elected to the Apex Council: Sandeep Vichare, Suraj Samat, Vighnesh Kadam, Milind Narvekar, Bhushan Patil, Nadim Memon, Vikas Repale, Pramod Yadav, and Neil Savant.

Who is Ajinkya Naik? 

Ajinkya Naik is the current President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and was unanimously elected for the second consecutive term in November 2025.

The youngest MCA president in history when first elected in 2024, Naik has focused on strengthening Mumbai’s grassroots “maidan cricket” and improving infrastructure across the city. 

With the strong backing of influential leaders such as Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his Pawar-Shelar group dominated the recent elections.

Under his leadership, initiatives like the Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum and Wankhede Stadium upgrades have been launched.