In a surprising decision, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has appointed Ankeet Chavan as the head coach for its Under-14 team. This move has garnered attention due to Chavan's previous involvement in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal, which saw BCCI imposing a life ban on him.
Ankeet Chavan appointed Mumbai U-14 team's head coach
Chavan was amongst the three Rajasthan Royals (RR) players who received a lifetime ban for their role in the scandal that also prematurely ended the career of Indian pacer S Sreesanth. However, in 2021, BCCI reduced Chavan's ban to seven years, paving the way for his return to the sport. This reduction allowed him to resume playing competitive cricket two years prior to his new coaching role. Throughout his career, Chavan participated in 18 first-class matches, 20 List A games, and 13 IPL matches.
Despite the ban, Chavan remained active in club cricket, playing for Karnataka Sports Club in Mumbai. He also demonstrated his commitment to the sport by successfully passing the Level-1 coaching exam. This new appointment as the head coach of the MCA's Under-14 team marks the beginning of a new chapter in his cricketing journey.
The 2013 spot-fixing scandal led to the BCCI's disciplinary committee imposing life bans on S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan. While a Delhi trial court acquitted all three players in 2015 due to a lack of sufficient evidence, the BCCI upheld the ban until June 2021, when it was eventually reduced to seven years.
In other coaching and selection appointments announced by the MCA on Wednesday, Omkar Salvi will continue his role as the head coach of the Ranji Trophy team. This decision follows his successful performance last season, which also led to his appointment as the bowling coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Additionally, former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil will remain the chairman of the selection committee.
During a conversation with Indian Express, Chavan admitted that this will be like a second innings for him. In
“This is a second innings for me, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. There is always a chance to make a comeback in life. I want to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for putting their faith in me. Coaching has always been on my mind, and I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead. At the Under-14 level, I want to focus on developing the players’ basic techniques to help them improve their game," Chavan told Indian Express.