Gujarat clear Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel has finally got permission from his home state, Gujarat, to shift allegiance. He met Narhari Amin, the president of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) and personally obtained a no-objection certificate. Munaf will now play in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai.

Munaf was in the news earlier this year for the raw pace he generated while training at Dennis Lillee's MRF Academy in Chennai, where Steve Waugh was reportedly impressed by him during a session in the nets. He made his first-class debut playing for India A against New Zealand, and Mumbai immediately displayed an interest in him. Sachin Tendulkar was reported to be particularly keen that Munaf played for Mumbai.

But while Munaf signed up with Mumbai, he had to miss their ongoing Ranji Trophy game against Baroda because the GCA acted tough. Piqued at what they perceived as a rebuff, the GCA demanded that, as per the rules, Munaf could not join Mumbai without a no-objection certificate. Munaf instantly appealed to Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI chief, to resolve the issue.

There is only one person who will not be relieved at the issue being resolved: Swapnil Hazare. The second new-ball bowler for Mumbai, Hazare's place is almost certain to be usurped by Munaf when he begins to play for Mumbai. Hazare will now be hoping that Aavishkar Salvi and Ajit Agarkar both get selected in India's squad to Australia. In that case, he could still be in the Mumbai team, bowling alongside Munaf.