Former India captain Nari Contractor named as new CIC chief

“The MCA believes that Nari is the best man for the job. He is a former Indian captain and is aware of where our cricket stands right now. He has vast knowledge of the game and has been following Mumbai cricket closely for decades,” informed MCA joint-secretary PV Shetty.

The committee also agreed to have 67-year-old Pai,who played one Test against New Zealand at Brabourne Stadium back in 1969,in the CIC,replace Ravi Thakkar. Kulkarni,who announced his retirement three seasons ago,is another addition.

The lanky former left-armer has the advantage of having played alongside most of the players in the current Mumbai Ranji squad and the committee felt that it will help Kulkarni expand his expertise.

“Nilesh has served Mumbai cricket immensely and can understand the game from different perspectives. As he has played with most of the boys in the team and understands the current scenario,we felt he was a good man to have on the CIC,” Shetty added.

Ghavri was a strong contender for the CIC chief’s post and had Contractor not agreed for the job,the former left-arm medium pacer would have been asked to chair. Ghavri is currently working at the BCCI’s indoor academy as fast bowling coach.