Sanjay Patil to head MCA’s TRDO Wing

Sanjay Patil. Pic/Ashish Raje

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has introduced a Talent Resource Development Officer (TRDO) Wing and appointed former chief selector Sanjay Patil as its first chairman. Former India cricketer Laya Francis will head the Women's TRDO Wing.

The MCA took these decisions during its Apex Council meeting at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

"The TRDO Wing is an important step towards strengthening Mumbai cricket's talent pathway. It will enhance our grassroots development programme, ensure better identification of emerging talent, and help build a stronger future for Mumbai cricket," MCA president Ajinkya Naik said after the meeting.

When asked about this new responsibility, Patil, who was Mumbai chief selector for the last two seasons, told mid-day: "First of all, I would like to thank MCA president Ajinkya Naik and CEO CS Naik for appointing me as the TRDO Wing chief. It will be a big responsibility; I will do this job with utmost dedication and integrity and do justice to this post."

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who chaired the BCCI's first Talent Resource Development Wing (TRDW), welcomed MCA's new initiative.

"The TRDO Wing is an excellent initiative by the MCA. With cricket now thriving across Mumbai and its suburbs, this system will help identify talent from every part of MCA's jurisdiction and ensure that deserving performers do not miss opportunities. It will bring greater structure to talent scouting and player development, further strengthening Mumbai cricket and its talent pool," said Vengsarkar, a former national chief selector.