The election for the Surat District Cricket Association (SDCA) has entered its final phase with 43 candidates set to contest for 21 seats, following the withdrawal of 58 nominations out of a total of 101. The contest now features a direct face-off between two dominant groups — the Stadium Panel and the Lalbhai Panel — with each fielding 21 candidates. Additionally, one independent candidate, Jayesh Magdalla, has also entered the race.
This year's election has gone beyond the realm of cricket administration, drawing in significant political and community influence. The Stadium Panel is backed by supporters of Kanhaiya Contractor, while the Lalbhai Panel represents followers of the late Hemant Contractor. The competition between the two is expected to be intense, with both panels fielding full slates and preparing for a highly competitive showdown on April 13.
The Stadium Panel comprises the following 21 candidates: Kanhaiya L. Contractor, Hitesh Patel, Dr. Naimesh Desai, Rakesh Sarawgi, CA Mayank Desai, CA Jitendra Modi, Anil Juneja, Ramesh Shah, Amit Gajjar (SPB), Kishor Patel, Dhaval Shah, Meetul Mehta, Dr. Manish Patel, Anil Dalal, Dip Shah, Ashwin Bhadhani, Vipul Munshi, Sanjay Patel, Nisarg Patel, Harish Umriger, and Pramod Madrasi.
The Lalbhai Panel, supported by the legacy of Hemant Contractor, includes: Esha Hardikbhai Shah, Akshara Contractor, Mahek Narendra Gandhi, Paresh Jariwala, Mayur Golwala, Devendra Garuda, Paras Shah, Niranjan Desai, Jignesh Contractor, Heroiz Gandhi, Yashesh Swami, Pratik Patel, Vinay Agrawal, Rohan Desai, Sanket Desai, Rashi Jhunjhunwala, Mukesh Khurana, Saurabh Daruwala, Ketan Patel, Rushit Mehta, and Vipulsingh Desai.
The presence of independent candidate Jayesh Magdalla has introduced an unpredictable factor into the electoral landscape.
Adding to the complexity, five key members from the previously opposing Parivartan Panel have now aligned themselves with the Stadium Panel. This has led to dissatisfaction among some supporters who view the move as a significant shift in the group’s ideological stance.
With the stage set and the final list confirmed, the upcoming SDCA election promises a gripping contest not only for cricket enthusiasts but also for those observing the deeper political and communal undercurrents that have come to define this local sports body. The results of this election are expected to shape the administrative direction of SDCA and influence its broader engagement with the cricketing ecosystem in the region.
