Hours after former India cricketer and BCCI selector Sandeep Patil filed a nomination for the post of President of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), a conflict-of-interest case was filed against him. MCA’s current joint secretary Sanjay Naik filed the case citing Patil’s relationship with Salil Ankola, the former India fast bowler who is currently the chairman of the MCA senior men's selection committee.
Notably, Ankola's daughter Sana is married to Chirag, the son of Patil. In the 13-page complaint to Justice Dilip Bhosale (Retd), the MCA ombudsman and ethics officer, Naik wrote, "The complainant submits that the Respondent (referring to Sandeep Patil) here is not eligible and/or qualified for submitting his nomination form for Post of President and/or a member of Apex Council of MCA, as the Respondent is not eligible and/or disqualified under Rule 38(v) (Conflict of Interest) of the constitution of the MCA (herein referred to as said constitution)."
"It is pertinent to note that, the daughter-in-law of the Respondent, i.e. Mrs. Sana Patil nee Sana Ankola is the daughter of cricketer Salil Ankola, who is the present chairman of the selection committee, Mumbai Sr Selection Committee (herein referred to as 'said committee'). Hence, the daughter of said Mr. Salil is the daughter-in-law of the Respondent herein, therefore there is a close relationship between the Respondent and the daughter-in-law of Mr. Salil Ankola, i.e. the chairman of the said committee and thus the same is clearly in Conflict of Interest as defined under Rule 38 (v) of the said constitution of MCA."
"Therefore, it is necessary for the interest of justice and in the interest of MCA that the nomination form submitted by the Respondent is required to be rejected/cancelled and/or the Respondent be declared as disqualified to conduct the election for the post of President and /or member of the Apex Council of MCA,” the complaint further stated.
Meanwhile, Patil denied commenting on the case filed against him. "I want to talk about cricket and the development of cricket at all levels Men/Woman and all others associated with the game. Nothing else!" Patil was quoted saying by IANS.
