BCCI’s decision to exclude former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar from the commentary panel for IPL 2020 has left a large group of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) members furious.
According to a TOI report, a number of MCA members, led by famous curator Nadeem Memon has written a letter to BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah, stating: "Sir, we, the members of MCA clubs request you to appoint Manjrekar as one of the BCCI's commentators for IPL 2020. We feel that the decision to remove him is unjust and should be looked into and rectified.”
A few months back, the same group had written a letter to former BCCI CEO Rahul Johri, urging him to reinstate Manjrekar in the commentary team.
"Ever since I've known Sanjay, he's played good cricket with a dead straight bat. He is a great personality, cricketer and human being. His father (Vijay Manjrekar) was a cricket legend, and today, we as cricket fans and lovers will be insulting his legacy by the way we are treating the talent of this man," Memon was quoted as saying by TOI.
Last month, the board had turned down Manjrekar’s request of reinstating him in the commentary panel for IPL 2020.
In an email, the ex-Mumbai batsman had written that he will ‘stick to the guidelines laid out’ by the BCCI.
"Respected members of the Apex Council, hope you all keeping well. You are already in receipt of the email I sent to explain my position as a commentator. With the IPL dates announced, bcci.tv will pick its commentary panel soon. I will be happy to work as per the guidelines laid by you. After all, we are working on what is essentially your production. Last time maybe there was not enough clarity on this issue. Thanks very much, Regards," Manjrekar wrote in the email, a copy of which was leaked.
Former MCA secretary and treasurer Mayank Khandwala pointed out the apology that Manjrekar had issued and urged the BCCI to close the matter.
"He could have been let off with a warning, rather than being penalized like this. If needed, another apology can be sought, but the BCCI needs to close the matter, rather than let it drag on," Khandwala remarked.
