MCA plans VVIP enclosure inside media box for Tendulkar's 200th Test

In a clear mockery of the sanctity of the press box, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to accommodate VVIPs inside enclosure reserved for the scribes at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during next week's farewell 200th Test of senior player Sachin Tendulkar.

"The extreme left side of the press box will be reserved for VVIPs to seat 28 persons. They will have a separate entrance from the side of the enclosure as was the case during last season's IPL," MCA sources said on Saturday ahead of the November 14-18 second and final Test between India and the West Indies.

During the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League earlier this year, some seats inside the air-conditioned enclosure were utilised by some top officials of Mumbai Indians, the home franchise.

Though there is a huge demand for tickets to witness final match of Tendulkar's career, only 5,000 tickets are available to the public to be purchased online from November 11.

"There would be around 5,000 tickets (available to the public other than the committed quota for MCA's clubs and gymkhanas) which can be purchased online only from Monday," said MCA's treasurer Vinod Deshpande. The stadium houses 60 corporate boxes.

Photograph: BCCI