Mumbai’s loss, Maharashtra’s gain? Prithvi Shaw gets No-Objection Certificate from MCA

Prithvi Shaw's saga in Mumbai cricket is over, at least for the time being. The 25-year-old has been granted the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Tuesday (June 24), completing a relationship that has ended mutually without any bad blood. This clears the route for Shaw to make his team change as he gears up to join the Maharashtra domestic team, as reported by The Hindu.

 

Abhay Hadap, secretary of the MCA, confirmed the development in a chat with PTI and maintained the association had immense respect for Shaw's contributions over the years. The association also released an official statement confirming the NOC to Shaw.

 

"The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) would like to inform that cricketer Prithvi Shaw had formally requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent another state as a professional player in the upcoming domestic season. After due consideration, the MCA has granted the NOC."

 

“Prithvi Shaw has been an exceptional talent and has contributed significantly to Mumbai cricket. We respect his decision and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

 

It was in late 2024 that the senior selection committee of Mumbai's domestic team decided to omit Shaw from all formats, on the grounds of fitness and indiscipline. According to reports, the team management conducted fitness tests, which revealed that Shaw's body composition was 35 per cent fat. The recommendation was that he work on trimming down on an emergency basis.

 

After being part of the T20 squad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he played impactful knocks, Shaw was subsequently ignored for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The incident left Shaw scarred, and he had even taken to social media at that point to vent his sorrow. However, much like the MCA values his past, Shaw, too, is aware of what Mumbai cricket has done to him, shaping his identity from scratch and giving him the launchpad to further his cricketing ambitions.

 

"Would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for the valuable opportunities and unwavering support extended to me during my time representing the association. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be part of the MCA setup, and I am deeply grateful for the exposure and experience I have gained here."

 

It was on Monday (June 23) that Shaw had submitted his request for an NOC as part of shifting the base of his domestic team. Now, with the formalities completed, the young opener is expected to link up soon with the Maharashtra side ahead of the pre-season camp whose dates are yet to be finalised. India's domestic season kicks off in October with the Ranji Trophy season to start first, followed by Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in November. 

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