Vadodara: The Revival Group, led by Pranav Amin, came out with scathing criticism of their opponents over allegations of Kiran More influencing the selection of cricketers for various Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) teams. More was accused of conflict of interest as he has a cricket academy and is simultaneously a member of the BCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Amin on Friday said that many more cricketers from Samarjitsinh Gaekwad-owned Motibaug Cricket Academy are playing in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare tournament and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament in the 2025-26 season than the More academy. “How can they say More is influencing the selection? Where is the evidence?” Amin said. Amin added that some supporters of the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group spread misinformation about the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium and even tried to ensure the city did not get an international match. “Opponents are criticising the stadium project as they were not in power when it was built. We actively invited all of them to give suggestions and visit the stadium, but none came forward,” Amin said. Amin also made public WhatsApp chats he did with Gaekwad and said he always sought Gaekwad’s involvement in the BCA affairs. Expressing displeasure over the chats being made public, Gaekwad said nobody ever approached him to get his suggestions on the stadium. “What’s the point in inviting us when the project is over? I was never approached by anyone for my suggestions,” Gaekwad told TOI. “The Revival Group can’t throw crumbs at me. They must give proper representation and respect,” Gaekwad said. Revival Group’s presidential candidate Kiran More said the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group is carrying out a negative campaign as they do not have real issues to talk about. “We built a world-class stadium and even got so many international cricket matches to the city. The Revival Group initiated pension plans for former cricketers and even increased Ranji match fees. We also have plans to build new cricketing infrastructure,” he said. On Baroda’s failure to win the Ranji Trophy in the last 26 years, More said, “It’s a process and sometimes it takes time to win. But we produced so many good cricketers.” Former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, who is supporting the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group, countered, “How long does the process take? There must be accountability if the Baroda team has not won the Ranji Trophy since the 2000-01 season,” he said. BOX:Cross-voting a strong possibilitySome candidates in the BCA polls from the Revival Group and the Royal Satyamev Jayate Group are friends. They are contesting from rival groups, but they hang out together. This election may thus see a lot of cross-voting from members, who will vote for both the groups depending on the post and candidate.
