The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) was dealt a heavy blow on June 10th, 2024, with the sudden passing of its president, Amol Kale. Despite a brief tenure, Kale’s dedication to the sport left an undeniable mark on Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem.
Amol Kale watched the India vs Pakistan match at the Nassau County Cricket Ground in New York along with other MCA office bearers. From actors Salman Khan and Sonu Sood to ministers Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis, several other notable personalities also paid their last tribute to Amol Kale.
A 47-year-old former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Nagpur, Kale defeated World Cup-winning former cricketer Sandip Patil in the MCA elections for the presidency post in October 2022. His passion for cricket translated into actionable plans to strengthen the city’s cricketing foundation. Witnessing Mumbai clinch its 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2024 stood as a testimony to his commitment in nurturing talent.
Recognizing the financial struggles of aspiring cricketers, Kale implemented a significant increase in match fees for Mumbai’s first-class players. This move aimed to provide better support and attract promising talents to the Mumbai cricketing scene.
Beyond men’s cricket, Kale displayed a vision for the development of women’s cricket in Mumbai. He launched the “MCA President’s Cup for Women 2023,” a T20 tournament specifically designed to offer more playing opportunities for aspiring female cricketers. This initiative addressed a crucial aspect of growth for women’s cricket – increased exposure through competitive matches.
Amol Kale’s short tenure as MCA president was marked by a focus on strengthening Mumbai cricket at all levels. His initiatives for both men’s and women’s cricket, while in their early stages, had the potential to leave a lasting impact on the cricketing powerhouse. His sudden passing undoubtedly left the Mumbai Cricket Association mourning a leader who strived to uplift the cricketing landscape of the city.
