MCA Polls: Sandeep Patil looks to hit conflict bouncers for a six

On Monday, even as the heat gathered over MCA presidential election, a tweet emerged that Patil had been appointed as the mentor of Pokhara Avengers for the Nepal T20 League, for which he will receive a fee. However, the former India coach and chief selector issued a strong denial. "I've not signed any contract.

There's nothing on paper. It was just a one-day (appearance) affair, that's it. I'm not a mentor there.

I just went to unveil the logo of Pokhara Avengers, that's it. And regarding fee, who doesn't get paid for his/her services? It's a stupid allegation. Let them say anything.

I can't stop my other activities," Patil told TOI on Tuesday. "I'd like to support all these minnows. I've gone wherever I've been invited to give my support.

This has nothing to do with the MCA election. It's like going to a Ganpati Pandal or meeting a friend in another association. What's wrong with it? As long as it's not in conflict of interest with MCA, I'll always try to help cricketers or associations in my capacity," he added.

There is another case of possible conflict-Mumbai chief selector Salil Ankola is the father in law of Patil's son Chirag, but that too won't be an issue, Patil said. "He was appointed as the Mumbai chief selector before I decided to contest for the MCA president's post," the dashing former India batsman clarified. Patil was zeroed in as a candidate for the MCA presidentship in 2019 too, but excused himself as that would mean that he would have had to forgo a commentary contract with Star Sports to avoid conflict of interest issues.