Ankit Chavan Appointed Head Coach of Mumbai's Under-14 Cricket Team

The Mumbai Cricket Association has appointed Ankit Chavan, a former Rajasthan Royals player previously banned for spot-fixing, as the head coach of its Under-14 team. This decision has elicited mixed reactions from the cricketing community. Chavan, who has resumed his cricketing career after a ban reduction, aims to focus on developing young players' fundamental skills. His journey from a promising cricketer to a coach reflects a significant transformation in his career. The MCA also confirmed other coaching appointments, ensuring continuity in its cricketing structure.
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Ankit Chavan Appointed Head Coach of Mumbai's Under-14 Cricket Team

MCA's Controversial Appointment

In a move that has sparked varied opinions, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has named Ankit Chavan, a former player for Rajasthan Royals, as the head coach for its Under-14 cricket team. Chavan, who received a life ban in 2013 due to his alleged involvement in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, is making a comeback in the cricketing world through coaching.


Background of the Ban

Chavan's ban was part of a larger scandal involving fellow Rajasthan Royals players Ajit Chandila and S Sreesanth, all accused of corrupt activities during the 2013 IPL season. Although a Delhi trial court acquitted them in 2015 due to lack of evidence, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintained the life bans. It wasn't until 2021 that Chavan's ban was officially reduced to seven years, allowing him to participate in BCCI-sanctioned events.


Chavan's Return to Cricket

Since the reduction of his ban, Chavan has gradually re-engaged with cricket, playing for local clubs in Mumbai, particularly for Karnataka Sports Club, and has also completed his Level-1 coaching certification.


Ankit Chavan's Cricketing Journey

Ankit Chavan, a slow left-arm orthodox spinner from Mumbai, had previously shown great potential in domestic cricket. He played 18 first-class matches, 20 List A games, and participated in 13 IPL matches for the Rajasthan Royals before the scandal disrupted his career. His promising trajectory was abruptly halted by disciplinary actions that overshadowed his early successes.


Chavan's New Role

Now at the age of 39, Chavan is stepping into a new chapter as he takes on the responsibility of coaching young cricketers in the city. In an interview, he expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This is a second innings for me, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. Coaching has always been on my mind… At the Under-14 level, I want to focus on developing the players’ basic techniques."


MCA's Coaching Structure

In addition to Chavan's appointment, the MCA also confirmed the continuation of Omkar Salvi as the Ranji Trophy coach and retained Sandeep Patil as the chairman of selectors, ensuring stability in key positions.


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