The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has appointed Team India Test batsman Sarfaraz Khan as the captain for Mumbai in the All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw will miss the event, while Sarfaraz’s brother, Musheer Khan, has been selected for the Mumbai squad.
Established in 1909 to honor Mothavarapu Venkata Mahipathi Naidu, known as Buchi Babu Naidu, the tournament commemorates his efforts to popularize cricket in Madras and his plans to organize a match between local players and Englishmen. Naidu passed away in 1908 before the inaugural event could take place.
The tournament became invitational in the 1960s, with the TNCA bringing in teams from outside Tamil Nadu. Over the years, prominent cricketers have represented various teams, such as the State Bank of India and ACC. The Buchi Babu tournament has evolved into a significant event marking the start of India’s domestic cricket season.
Sarfaraz Khan To Lead Mumbai In All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament
On Saturday, August 3, the Mumbai Cricket Association released a statement on their official website. The statement mentioned that the Senior Selection Committee, led by Chairman Sanjay Patil, has picked the players for Mumbai’s team in the Buchi Babu Tournament.
“The Senior Selection Committee of Mumbai Cricket Association consisting of Mr. Sanjay Patil (Chairman), Mr. Ravi Thaker, Mr. Jeetendra Thackeray, Mr. Kiran Powar, and Mr. Vikrant Yeligeti has selected following players to represent Mumbai in Buchi Babu Tournament,” the statement read.
Mumbai Squad: Sarfaraz Khan (Captain), Divyansh Saxena, Amogh Bhatkal, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddhesh Lad, Musheer Khan, Nutan Goel, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore, Prasad Pawar, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Himanshu Singh, Dhanit Raut, Sylvester Dsouza, Junaid Khan, Harsh Tanna
Mumbai will miss key players in the season-opening tournament. Ajinkya Rahane, who captained Mumbai to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title last season, is currently playing for Leicestershire in England.
Prithvi Shaw is representing Northamptonshire in England. Left-arm spin bowler Shams Mulani, who was Rahane’s deputy last season, is training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Sarfaraz Khan Is The Senior-Most Player – Sanjay Patil
Sanjay Patil mentioned that Ajinkya Rahane would have been the captain if he were available. He added that Sarfaraz Khan was appointed captain due to Rahane’s absence. Patil also confirmed that Rahane will resume his role as Mumbai’s captain for the Irani Cup match against the Rest of India on October 1.
“There is no question of who will be captain if Ajinkya is available, but in his absence, we should be ready with options and currently Sarfaraz is the senior-most and a Test player,” Patil told Sunday mid-day.
The Mumbai team recently finished a two-week training camp in Alur, near Bengaluru, where they participated in several practice matches. Meanwhile, rain and unfavorable ground conditions have led to the postponement of today’s opening games of the Division A to D Dr. HD Kanga Cricket League.
