Mumbai, 6th February, 2026: Retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Deepak Pandit, popularly known as the “White Singham of Mumbai Customs,” has been nominated as the Representative of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) on the Governing Council of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for the 2026–27 term.
The Indian Cricketers’ Association represents over 1,800 former international, Test, and first-class cricketers and works closely with the MCA and the BCCI on matters related to player welfare, governance, and policy. Pandit’s nomination recognises his unique blend of cricketing experience, administrative leadership, and commitment to integrity. He later transitioned into cricket administration, serving as Selector, PRO, and Assistant Manager of the Junior Indian team in 1996, and as Manager of the Indian Under-19 team during India’s tour of the West Indies.
As ICA’s representative on the MCA Governing Council, Pandit will play a key role in representing the interests of current and former cricketers, contributing to policy formulation, and strengthening transparency, accountability, and player welfare within cricket administration.
Pandit’s cricketing journey is marked by distinction. A formidable fast bowler for the Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy team, he was known for his destructive “banana” in-swingers. He also made his mark in elite club cricket and the Kanga League, where he claimed all ten wickets in a single innings conceding only fifteen runs.
He later moved into cricket administration in 1996, serving as Selector, PRO, and Assistant Manager of the Junior Indian cricket team which won the world cup by defeating Pakistan at Lord’s. As a result of a successful meeting with Mr. Mukesh Ambani in person, he secured Reliance Industries as the sponsor for the Indian world cup team. In his personal capacity, he organised a felicitation ceremony for the victorious Indian team at the Indian High Commission in London and later in the UAE at the hands of Sheikh Al Nahyan, reflecting his ability to merge sport, diplomacy, and corporate engagement.
Speaking on his nomination, Deepak Pandit said, “It is an honour to represent the Indian Cricketers’ Association on the MCA Governing Council. Having experienced the game as a player and administrator, I look forward to contributing towards a system that prioritises player welfare, fairness, and the long-term growth of cricket.”
