Its time Mumbai roars again

That a teams colours mean so much to a cricketloving group that includes former players was manifest in the reaction to Mumbai Cricket Association president Dr Vijay Patils proposal to alter the logo of the associationTo be fair it was not a decision only a presentation where options of five different logos were placed before the Apex Council during a meeting at the Wankhede Stadium on MondayEven though it is suggested that the change would only occur on digital platforms I feel there is no need to modify a fine presumably well thoughtout logo What difference would it make I keep wonderingDr Patil has been brave in venturing into a sphere that would give rise to more condemnation than kudos And that sphere is the logo which to many is sacrosanctTo quote from his presentation The next milestone in our journey is to bring this legacy closer to the people of Mumbai connect with them and collectively build a commercially and competitively strong brand Now cricket bodies in India thrive on functioning in their cocoon and a lot of their pillars care a rats behind for the people who make their way through turnstiles to watch their heroes That someone mdash who happens to the president of the MCA mdash is thinking about the average fan can only be good newsHowever this comes at a time when the citys cricket fraternity wants to see brainstorming sessions on what could be done to arrest Mumbais slump on the domestic scene Its a time when coaches who are keen to earn roles in various teams are anxious to know whether they stand a chance Its also a time when an explanation should be forthcoming about the delay behind the formation of the new Cricket Improvement CommitteeA Mumbai cricket wellwisher pointed out the other day how the MCA has missed out on the opportunity of getting members of their Ranji Trophy and junior squads to pick the brains of the great names in city cricketBut back to the MCA colours Each of the five options mentioned in Dr Patils presentation has the lion and only two logos dont have the name of the association Cricket Mumbai as opposed to Mumbai Cricket Association is not a change that is unprecedented Cricket bodies the world over have made that shift except of course the Board of Control for Cricket in India mdash which hangs on to that word Control as if its existence depends on it So Dr Patil gets a big tick in my book for his Cricket Mumbai optionTo find out more about the history behind the Mumbai colours I pulled out the MCAs Golden Jubilee Commemoration volume published in 1981 The fine job by the editors of this meaty publication Prof MV Chandgadkar Anandji Dossa and Sharad Kotnis not only reflects in the veritable feast of articles written by cricketers like Madhav Mantri Polly Umrigar Ajit Wadekar and Sunil Gavaskar but also in the details of Mumbais contribution to Indian cricket and the concise history of MCA penned by Prof ChandgadkarIt is often willingly stated that it is easier to earn India colours than to receive Bombay colours wrote Prof Chandgadkar continuing This might seem fallacious and yet one who goes through the records of the Bombay Cricket Association of the last 50 years is likely to reach this bewildering conclusion A number of stalwarts had to wait long enough to earn this distinctionThe idea of awarding colours first came up during a managing committee meeting at the Islam Gymkhana on December 16 1935 The colours mdash navy blue red and gold mdash were approved on February 19 1937 At a meeting of similar significance on September 29 1938 it was accepted that the badge crest should have a red lion with gold crown and shield containing the letters BCAByelaws adopted at the managing committee meeting of May 18 1951 restricted the use of the colours by persons who have played but not the reserves who have not played for the Association in the National Championship for Ranji Trophy matchesIt is not clear who conceptualised the logo with the lion element but the original colours subcommittee comprising HN Contractor CP Bransle Vijay Merchant and AAA Fyzee may have had a major role to play in it Doubtless ample thought must have been given to it just like the Dadar Union Sporting Club crest consisting of a Christian cross the Hindus trishul the moon for the Muslims and fire which is symbolic for the ParseesMeanwhile the MCA tie proved to be a popular piece of attire at cricket functions Prof Chandgadkar says in the history sheets that there was a doubt raised about whether there should be different ties for players and administrators This however is not within my orbit to trace I have recorded the past destiny controls the future which is unknown he wroteWhat lies ahead now for the MCA is unknown too Will the logo change Will the planned social media activity come to fruition Will all the guidelines be followed while recruiting coaches and support staff without any conflict of interest cases And most importantly will that lion in Mumbais colours feel proud againmiddays group sports editor Clayton Murzello is a purist with an open stance He tweets ClaytonMurzello Send your feedback to mailbagmiddaycomThe views expressed in this column are the individuals and dont represent those of the paperCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news