DNCA NEWS NETWORK: In the vibrant cricketing landscape of Vadodara, Gujarat, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) finds itself at a pivotal crossroads as elections approach on February 15, 2026. With the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium—now fully operational and basking in the afterglow of a triumphant India vs. New Zealand ODI on January 11, 2026—emerging as a symbol of success, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Pranav Amin, the visionary president and leader of the Revival Group, has been the driving force behind this transformation, turning a modest ground into a world-class venue. Yet, as the stadium proves its mettle with seamless operations, excellent facilities, and rave reviews from fans and officials alike, opportunistic factions like Samarjitsinh Gaekwad’s Royal Group and Dr. Darshan Banker’s camp are circling, eager to claim the “golden egg” without the sweat equity that built it. Adding to the intrigue, Anant Indulkar, a former vice president, is contesting from the Royal Group, but this alliance only highlights the scramble for control over the fruits of Amin’s labor.
Pranav Amin and Revival: Synonymous with Superior Cricketing Infrastructure
Pranav Amin’s name is inextricably linked to the revival of Baroda’s cricketing fortunes, particularly through the development of Kotambi Stadium. Elected president in 2019, Amin has overseen a remarkable journey, navigating bureaucratic challenges, securing BCCI alignments, and investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure that has elevated Vadodara on the national map. Under his leadership, the stadium—constructed with meticulous execution under his guidance—has hosted Ranji Trophy matches and now international spectacles, culminating in the recent IND vs. NZ ODI that drew nearly 35,000 fans and earned praise for its pitch quality, crowd management, and overall facilities. Amin personally extended thanks to Barodians for their discipline and support, underscoring his hands-on approach that made the event “truly unforgettable.”
The Revival Group’s proven track record speaks volumes: from upgrading pitches and seating to fostering player development programs, they’ve delivered tangible results. The felicitation of legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the ODI, presided over by Amin alongside BCCI officials, not only honored Indian cricket’s icons but also spotlighted Kotambi as a venue worthy of such prestige. With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) set to commence today, January 19, 2026, through February 5, Kotambi is poised for another high-profile run, further cementing Amin’s legacy of building infrastructure that benefits cricket at all levels. This isn’t just rhetoric—Amin’s efforts have turned potential into reality, creating a revenue-generating powerhouse from ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting deals that rival bigger arenas.
The Golden Egg Temptation: Royal and Banker’s Groups’ Opportunistic Bid
Now that the stadium is ready and reaping rewards—metaphorically the “golden egg” laid through years of Revival’s dedication—the Royal and Banker’s groups are intensifying their pursuit of power. The Revival-Royal alliance, forged despite past rivalries in 2023, appears more like a tactical truce than a genuine partnership, with Indulkar’s candidacy from the Royal side aiming to consolidate influence. Dr. Darshan Banker, whose nomination required Gujarat High Court intervention after initial rejections, positions himself as an outsider challenger, but his camp’s focus on “transparency” issues seems conveniently timed with Kotambi’s success.
Critics within these groups decry opacity in BCA operations, pointing to the chaotic November 2025 AGM where debates were stifled and stadium expansions questioned. Yet, these complaints often mask ambition: why the sudden fervor now, when the hard work of building and proving the stadium’s viability is complete? Control over Kotambi means sway over lucrative contracts, vendor deals, and event hosting—perks that the Revival Group earned through proven execution. The Royal Group’s pragmatism in allying with Revival reeks of wanting to share spoils rather than innovate, while Banker’s independent bid threatens to disrupt but offers no comparable track record in infrastructure development.
Transparency and Betterment: Genuine Progress Under Revival vs. Hollow Promises
The calls for transparency from opponents ring somewhat hollow against Amin’s backdrop of achievements. While the AGM saw accusations of high-handedness and rule violations, Amin’s administration has delivered transparency through results: a stadium that hosted a flawless international match, with fans lauding the smooth operations and facilities. Incidents like the October 2024 Ranji Trophy protocol dispute were dismissed as misunderstandings, but they pale against the Revival’s overarching success in fostering cricket’s growth.
The mantra of “bettering cricket” is embodied by Amin and Revival, not just proclaimed. Broader Indian cricket has seen governance scandals, but in Baroda, the focus under Amin has been on grassroots to elite development, avoiding stagnation through infrastructure leaps. Allegations of favoritism persist, but the stadium’s role in elevating Baroda’s Ranji team and nurturing talent outweighs them. Opponents like Banker and the Royal Group peddle vague reforms, but their interest spikes with Kotambi’s windfalls—media rights, corporate ties—hinting at a desire to harvest rather than plant.
The True Power Play: Safeguarding Revival’s Legacy
At its heart, the BCA elections boil down to envy of success. Pranav Amin’s Revival Group has cultivated Kotambi from vision to vault, proving their mettle with the recent ODI triumph and upcoming WPL. Now, as factions vie for the “golden egg,” voters—clubs, former players, and affiliates—must recognize that true progress comes from proven leaders, not latecomers. The Royal Group’s alliance and Indulkar’s bid may strengthen their position, but it underscores opportunism over originality. In Vadodara’s cricketing arena, backing Amin means investing in a future built on solid foundations, ensuring cricket’s spirit thrives beyond the scoreboard.
