In a move that has sparked widespread debate in Indian cricket circles, former Rajasthan Royals player Ankeet Chavan, who was banned for spot-fixing in the 2013 IPL, has been appointed as the head coach of the Mumbai Under-14 team for the upcoming season. The Mumbai Cricket Association’s decision has triggered a flurry of mixed reactions, with many questioning whether players once banned for corruption should mentor young cricketers, while others see it as a story of redemption.
Who is Ankeet Chavan?
Ankeet Chavan, now 39, was a promising left-arm spinner and useful lower-order batsman who played for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He rose to prominence in 2012-13, forming a crucial part of Mumbai’s domestic squad. However, his career came crashing down in May 2013 when he was arrested along with teammates Sreesanth and Ajit Chandila for alleged spot-fixing during IPL matches.
Chavan was initially handed a life ban by the BCCI, which was later reduced after a Delhi court acquitted him in 2015 due to lack of evidence. However, his official ban was lifted only in 2020, after which he returned to competitive cricket for a brief period in local Mumbai tournaments.
Appointment as Mumbai U-14 coach
The Mumbai Cricket Association announced on Wednesday that Chavan will lead the U-14 boys’ coaching programme for the 2025-26 season. The role involves talent identification, weekly training sessions, inter-academy match supervision, and regional camp selections.
MCA’s official statement
In a brief statement, MCA said:
“Ankeet Chavan has been appointed head coach for the Mumbai U-14 team based on his coaching qualifications, domestic playing experience, and recent mentoring roles at club level.”
Officials within MCA argue that Chavan has served his punishment, and his experience as a professional cricketer can inspire young talents.
Match-fixing bans and return to coaching: A global perspective
| Country | Player | Ban Reason | Post-ban Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Ankeet Chavan | Spot-fixing (IPL 2013) | Mumbai U-14 Head Coach (2025) |
| Pakistan | Mohammad Amir | Spot-fixing (2010) | Returned to national team, now PSL player |
| South Africa | Herschelle Gibbs | Match-fixing involvement (2000) | TV commentator, coaching clinics |
| Bangladesh | Mohammad Ashraful | Spot-fixing (BPL 2013) | Domestic player, coaching academy mentor |
The debate around re-integrating banned players into professional setups has persisted globally, with some arguing for second chances while others fear it sends the wrong message to young cricketers.
Player’s reaction: Chavan speaks about ‘new chapter’
Reacting to his appointment, Chavan said:
“I am grateful to MCA for believing in my knowledge and ability to nurture young players. I’ve made mistakes in the past, but cricket has always been my life, and coaching kids is the most fulfilling way to give back.”
Chavan has completed BCCI Level 1 coaching certification and recently worked as a mentor with Payyade Sports Club in Mumbai, credited with grooming U-16 spinners who later featured in age-group tournaments.
Divided reactions within the cricket fraternity
Support for Chavan’s appointment
Former Mumbai coach Sulakshan Kulkarni supported MCA’s decision:
“He has served his punishment. He is a technically sound left-arm spinner who understands match situations well. Kids can learn a lot about mental strength and technical discipline from him.”
Many also point to Mohammad Amir’s return to international cricket as an example of how talented players can rebuild careers and guide future generations positively.
Opposition to the decision
However, several ex-players and cricket ethics experts have criticised the move. A senior MCA official, speaking anonymously, said:
“While rehabilitation is important, appointing someone once banned for corruption to coach impressionable kids raises ethical concerns. What message are we sending about integrity?”
Some parents of Mumbai U-14 cricketers reportedly expressed unease after the announcement, worried about the moral precedent.
Fan reactions on social media
The cricketing community on social media remained polarised:
- “Everyone deserves a second chance. Let him coach and inspire kids.”
- “Terrible decision by MCA. How can a former fixer be a role model for 14-year-olds?”
- “Ankeet Chavan has paid his dues. Time to move on and focus on cricketing development.”
- “This is like appointing a bank robber as a bank manager. Ethics matter.”
Indian cricket’s spot-fixing history and reforms
| Year | Incident | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Azharuddin, Jadeja bans | Life bans (later lifted partially) |
| 2010 | IPL Lalit Modi ousting | Lifetime expulsion from BCCI |
| 2013 | IPL spot-fixing (RR) | Arrests, player bans, franchise suspensions |
| 2018 | Shakib Al Hasan ban | 1-year ban for failing to report approach |
| 2020 | Deepak Hooda suspension | Suspended by BCA for dissent, returned later |
BCCI has ramped up anti-corruption education modules for U-16 and U-19 camps since 2015, making awareness workshops mandatory at all Zonal Cricket Academies.
The road ahead for Mumbai cricket
Despite the controversy, MCA is expected to continue with Chavan’s appointment for the upcoming season, given his coaching track record at club level. The association aims to reclaim its dominance in U-14 and U-16 age categories, where it has lost to Baroda, Saurashtra, and Karnataka in recent national tournaments.
Chavan’s immediate task will be to prepare the U-14 squad for the West Zone Inter-State Championships in September, which serves as a feeder for Mumbai’s elite U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy team.
Final thoughts
The appointment of Ankeet Chavan as Mumbai U-14 head coach reignites the perennial question in Indian sport – should athletes punished for corruption be allowed to mentor juniors? While rehabilitation and reintegration remain noble goals, striking the right balance with moral responsibility towards young minds will continue to challenge cricket’s decision-makers.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and reporting purposes only. It does not constitute legal or ethical advice, or official cricket board announcements. Readers are advised to refer to official cricket association communications for definitive statements. The publication assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on this news report.
