Kale in Maharashtra Ranji squad

Middle-order batsman Abhijeet Kale, who was banned from playing first class cricket for six months following alleged misconduct, figures in the list of probables to play for the Ranji one-day tournament (west zone league) beginning in Ahmedabad from January 10.

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The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) announced its 15-member team to play for the Ramakant Desai trophy 2004-05 and Kale, who was banned for alleged misconduct of having tried to influence his selection into the Indian senior cricket team, has come into reckoning once again on the completion of the ban term on December 31, 2004.

When contacted S G Thorve, MCA's Honorary Treasurer, said why should not his name be there when the period of his ban is over?.

He has already submitted fitness certificate to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Thorve said, adding that Kale was selected because the latter was fit and eligible and had fulfilled all other criteria for selection.

Dheeraj Jadhav has been named as captain of Maharashtra for tournament. The left-handed opening batsman, who was in the Test squad during the last match against Australia in Mumbai, takes over the leadership from former India player Hrishikesh Kanitkar.

Team: Dheeraj Jadhav (captain), Ranjit Khirid (vice-captain), Satyajit Satbhai (WK), Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Harshad Khadiwale, Ajinkya Joshi, Rohit Kakade, Ajay Chavan, Anupam Sanklecha, Abhijeet Kale, Dhruv Mohan, Sangram Chavan, Amit Patil, Ashish Tibrewala, Digambar Waghmare, aN MCA release said.