Did Mahanaaryaman Scindia Really Become the New MPCA Chief?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mahanaaryaman Scindia becomes the youngest MPCA president.
- Focus on promoting grassroots cricket.
- Emphasis on increasing women's participation in cricket.
- Continuity of the Scindia family legacy in cricket management.
- Upcoming events include preparations for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
Indore, Sep 2 (NationPress) Mahanaaryaman Scindia, the son of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, has officially taken on the role of president of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) as of Tuesday. At the young age of 29, Mahanaaryaman, who previously held the position of vice-president at the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA), has set a record by becoming the youngest president in the history of MPCA, which was founded in 1957, after being elected unanimously.
In 2022, Mahanaaryaman became a lifetime member of MPCA and also presides over the Madhya Pradesh T20 League (MPL), which launched its inaugural season in Gwalior in 2024.
“This demonstrates that MPCA functions as a family that makes decisions together. We are the only state cricket association in India that conducts elections in such a warm and familial environment,” Mahanaaryaman stated during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Mahanaaryaman is continuing a family legacy, becoming the third generation from the Scindia lineage to lead the MPCA, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Madhavrao Scindia, and his father Jyotiraditya.
“This is a deeply emotional occasion for me, as my late grandfather and my father have both held the esteemed title of MPCA president,” he expressed.
The new executive committee was established during the MPCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Alongside Mahanaaryaman, Vineet Sethia was appointed as vice-president, while former international umpire Sudhir Asnani has taken on the role of secretary. Former Indian women’s cricketer Arundhati Kirkire is the new joint secretary, and Sanjeev Dua is the treasurer.
“Our goal has always been to uplift cricket at the grassroots level and to foster women’s participation in the sport. Just as former President Abhilash Khandekar and his team dedicated themselves, we will proceed with the same passion and resolve,” Mahanaaryaman added.
Before stepping into his new role, Mahanaaryaman and his father offered their prayers at the renowned Khajrana Ganesh temple in the city.
The first significant task for the Scindia-led MPCA will be to finalize arrangements for Holkar Stadium to host matches for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. This venue is set to accommodate five league matches, including three with the defending champions Australia, and will feature India’s clash against England on October 19.