Baroda Cricket Association Election Sparks Heated Exchange Over Allegations
The upcoming elections for the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) have ignited a fierce war of words between rival factions, with accusations of selection bias and mismanagement taking center stage. The Revival Group, led by Pranav Amin, has launched a strong defense against claims that its member Kiran More improperly influenced team selections.
Conflict of Interest Claims Debated
Kiran More, a former Indian cricketer and member of the BCA's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), faced allegations of conflict of interest due to his ownership of a cricket academy. Critics argued this dual role could sway selections in favor of his academy's players. However, Pranav Amin refuted these claims on Friday, presenting data to counter the narrative.
"How can they say More is influencing the selection? Where is the evidence?" Amin questioned. He pointed out that in the 2025-26 season, more cricketers from the Motibaug Cricket Academy, owned by Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, are participating in major tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare, and Syed Mushtaq Ali than from More's academy.
Stadium Project and Misinformation Allegations
Amin also accused supporters of the opposing Royal Satyamev Jayate Group of spreading false information about the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium. He claimed they attempted to block international matches from being held in the city. "Opponents are criticising the stadium project as they were not in power when it was built," Amin stated. He added that his group invited all stakeholders for suggestions and visits, but none accepted.
To bolster his case, Amin made public WhatsApp chats with Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, showing efforts to involve Gaekwad in BCA affairs. However, Gaekwad expressed displeasure at the disclosure, denying any prior outreach. "What's the point in inviting us when the project is over? I was never approached by anyone for my suggestions," Gaekwad told TOI. He emphasized the need for proper representation and respect, rather than what he called "throwing crumbs."
Counterclaims and Performance Accountability
Kiran More, the Revival Group's presidential candidate, dismissed the criticism as a negative campaign by the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group, alleging they lack substantive issues. He highlighted achievements under his group's tenure, including:
- Construction of a world-class stadium and securing international matches for Vadodara.
- Implementation of pension plans for former cricketers and increased Ranji Trophy match fees.
- Plans for new cricketing infrastructure development.
On Baroda's prolonged failure to win the Ranji Trophy since the 2000-01 season, More described it as a gradual process. "It's a process and sometimes it takes time to win. But we produced so many good cricketers," he explained.
Nayan Mongia, a former India wicketkeeper backing the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group, challenged this view. "How long does the process take? There must be accountability if the Baroda team has not won the Ranji Trophy in over two decades," he asserted, calling for greater responsibility from the current leadership.
Cross-Voting Dynamics in BCA Polls
Adding intrigue to the electoral battle, reports suggest a high likelihood of cross-voting. Some candidates from both the Revival Group and Royal Satyamev Jayate Group are personal friends, contesting from opposing sides but maintaining social ties. This could lead members to vote across party lines based on individual candidates and specific posts, making the election outcome unpredictable.
The controversy underscores deep-seated divisions within the BCA, with issues of transparency, performance, and governance at the forefront as voters prepare to decide the association's future direction.
