BPL governing council chairman resigns

Vadodara: Just a fortnight before the Baroda Premier League (BPL) is set to begin, the chairman of its governing council, Anant Indulkar, has stepped down from his position. Indulkar, who was appointed as the council chairman, sent an email to the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) on Monday expressing his intention to resign as the chairman as well as member of the council. The decision came as a surprise to the BCA, as the much-anticipated league competition is scheduled to begin on June 15.

"Indulkar has expressed his wish to step down as the council chairman and from the membership too," said Sheetal Mehta, the treasurer of the BCA. About the reasons for his resignation, Mehta said, "He is employed with a private firm and said that due to his professional commitments, he wouldn't be able to devote sufficient time to the league."

Sources within the BCA said that Indulkar's job involves travel outside the city in the coming days, making it difficult for him to lead the council. Despite efforts by the BCA management to persuade him to stay on, Indulkar declined to continue as chairman. The email sent by Indulkar says that he would extend any support or assistance to the BPL governing council subject to his availability. After his resignation, the governing council now has five members: Ajit Lele, Sheetal Mehta, Kiran More, Akshat Patel and Snehal Parikh.

The BCA is now considering appointing a new chairman for the league contest, which is being organized for the first time in Vadodara. One BCA member said Indulkar was unhappy with certain issues, although these were not specified. Attempts to contact Indulkar for comment were unsuccessful.

The BPL competition will begin at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium on June 15, with five teams competing for the inaugural title.