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MCA unaware about its players joining ICPA
May 13, 2003 18:55 IST
Claiming that none of its players have joined the Indian Cricket Players Association, the Mumbai Cricket Association said on Tuesday it is "not concerned" even if they do become members of the new-formed body.
MCA joint secretary Ratnakar Shetty said, "Except for batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who is a part of the ICPA, and Test player Ajit Agarkar, I do not know about other Mumbai players joining the ICPA.
"However, even if they decide to join, the MCA is not at all concerned. But, so far, we have not heard from the players about them joining the ICPA."
He added: "In fact, last time when such an association was formed nothing much happened apart from launching the body. However, this time around the ICPA asked us to give the names and addresses of the players, which we have given them. But I do not know how many of our players have joined them."
India skipper Sourav Ganguly, while announcing an insurance plan for first class cricketers last week in Kolkata, had said, "Apart from the entire Indian team, a number of Ranji trophy teams, like Bengal, Karnataka and Mumbai, have also signed on as members."
However, the Mumbai players, including skipper Paras Mhambrey, appeared in the dark about the newly-formed players' body.
Mhambrey said he is not aware of it "as we have not heard from them".
"Moreover, I cannot comment on the issue without consulting my colleagues. We (the players) should sit down and discuss before taking a decision," Mhambrey added.
Meanwhile, Shetty said: "The MCA has been helping former state players when they are in need. Former Mumbai opener Ramnath Parkar's family was given Rs 300,000 when Parkar was fighting a losing battle after a road accident.
"The cricket Board adopted an insurance scheme later and many former Test stars, including wicketkeeper Naren Tamhane, and former umpires benefited from the scheme," he said.
Senior Mumbai players Ajit Agarkar and Sairaj Bahutule could not be contacted as they left for England, to play in the minor counties league, immediately after the domestic season ended on May 8.
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