Mumbai cricket needs change: Vijay Patil

Why did you decide to contest for the post of MCA president?
I have a great interest in cricket. I have pursued the game from a very young age and I feel that I had the capability of contributing on a larger canvas. After taking into consideration the views of the members, I decided to contest. Everybody felt that a change was needed and in a democratic institution where the constitution defines the tenure of individuals I think it is very important that change is always there. That is a sign of a healthy institution. What we are advocating is that a new set of people with new ideas and a new vision are given an opportunity to express themselves and contribute to the organisation.

You surprised one and all by filing your nomination for the top post...
I don't think I surprised anyone. In our early meetings, we clearly said that we will be contesting with 17 candidates. This time, the mandate was clear and we wanted to contest for all posts. I don't think it should come as a surprise to many people. I just feel that there has been an overwhelming sense that change was needed in the organisation. Many of the members and our supporters felt that I could be the face considering my contribution to the game. I could lead the team in these elections.

Your opponent is none other than Sharad Pawar...
I don't think it is a fight between two individuals. It is about contributing on a larger canvas so I am not contesting the elections to fight against one individual. I have a passion for the game and I love it a lot and I feel it's time the individuals are given a chance to contribute their bit to the organisation. Change is something that is permanent and is inevitable in any organisation. That is a law of nature and one should respect that.

What change can you bring to Mumbai cricket?
Firstly, I want everyone to respect the constitution. That's fundamental to the governance of any organisation. I want to bring in more transparency in the organisation. We have a progressive agenda like having a high-performance academy, a proposal I had floated four years ago when Vilasrao Deshmukh was the president. We feel Mumbai needs a cricket museum. We need more grounds in Mumbai and suburbs. And I think it is important to develop the game in all regions controlled by the association. We want to help players and maidan clubs by giving them subsidies and scholarships.

Whatever said and done, people are talking about Vijay Patil taking on Sharad Pawar. What is your tale?
I can't change anyone's perception. I like to keep things very simple. Again, as I said, this election is not between two individuals. It is about the aspirations of a newer generation.

What do you think it will take to defeat Pawar?
As of now, I cannot speculate. Every individual has his own aspirations. But if you have a dream and if you have something which you feel very strongly about, I truly believe that is something you should always follow.

Do you believe you can defeat Pawar?
This is the question everyone is asking. I am quite the members will respond favourably to a person who is coming in with new ideas and a new vision for Mumbai cricket.

When did you decide to contest for the post?
We have been taking suggestions and we have been taking the views of members and we found people wanted change. And they felt that I was somebody who could be that person with a fresher view.

Who motivated you to take up this big challenge?
It was an inner call. I have derived a lot of strength from the fact that Uddhavji Thackeray extended his full support to the Cricket First panel. I greatly appreciate that because you are dealing with an organisation like the MCA where there are so many stakeholders. There are so many issues related to the government and municipalities. I think that was an added source of strength. I think it's your inner call which you have got to respect and you have got to follow it.

Is this David vs Goliath?
I wouldn't like to give that kind of nomenclature. I think I am here to do something positive for Mumbai cricket and I am quite confident that the vision we are presenting to Mumbai cricket and the road map we presented will be accepted by the members of the association and we will emerge successful.