Surat, April 14, 2025 — In a high-stakes election at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, known as one of Surat District Cricket Association's (SDCA) most prominent venues, the Stadium Panel secured a decisive victory by winning 18 out of 21 seats in the SDCA management committee elections held on Sunday. The remaining three seats were claimed by candidates from the panel led by the late Hemant Contractor’s family, including his daughters Yasha and Akshara Contractor, and Mahek Gandhi.
Despite the scorching summer heat and it being a holiday, voter turnout was notably high. Of the 5,222 registered SDCA members, 3,608 cast their votes, recording a participation rate of 69.12 percent. Voting began at 10 a.m. and continued with enthusiasm throughout the day, averaging about 700 votes per hour. The counting, which began at 5 p.m., went on until late into the night.
The election saw a fierce contest between two panels, both backed by members of the Contractor family. The Stadium Panel was led by incumbent SDCA President Kanhaiya Contractor, while the rival group, led by Yasha Contractor, fielded a team of 20 candidates. Leading up to the polls, both sides engaged in aggressive campaigning across social media and other platforms, amplifying the competitive atmosphere.
Compared to the last election held in 2022, which saw 2,912 voters, this year's turnout reflected a significant increase, underlining the growing interest in SDCA’s internal leadership and the future of cricket development in the region.
Among the top vote-getters were Amit Dilipbhai Gajjar with 2,165 votes, Hitenrajendra Modi with 2,096, and Kanhaiya Contractor with 2,094. Akshara Contractor, Yasha Contractor, and Mahek Gandhi also made it to the winners’ list, garnering 2,043, 2,001, and 1,825 votes respectively.
The election results are being viewed as a strong endorsement for the Stadium Panel’s vision and leadership, with many attributing the success to Kanhaiya Contractor’s current tenure and past contributions to the association. Meanwhile, Yasha Contractor’s campaign, built on the legacy of her father’s transparency and developmental initiatives, did find some resonance among voters, particularly younger members advocating for innovation and reform.
As the dust settles on this closely watched contest, attention now turns to the new committee’s plans and the role it will play in shaping the future of cricket infrastructure and talent development in Surat. The next three years are expected to be crucial in implementing the promises made during the campaign, particularly regarding youth participation and the proposed international cricket stadium.
