The rise of innumerable leagues and clubs has meant that inter-univeristy cricket, which boasts of a rich history in the city, has now lost its sheen.

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In a bid to revive that forgotten aspect of Mumbai cricket, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar spoke about how hugely important inter-university games can be in shaping up one's career.

"I have seen Ajit Wadekar scoring a triple hundred against Delhi University during my days. Even Sunil Gavaskar made a lot of runs in inter-university cricket. In fact, it was on that basis that he was selected in 1971 for the tour of the West Indies.

"Even I had almost scored a double hundred against Delhi. It was a really big thing back then. It is thus very important to revive inter-university cricket," Vengsarkar said at the launch of Mumbai University's first-ever West Zone and All India Women's Inter-University cricket tournament, which will be organised by Rizvi College and supported by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

Vengsarkar, who is also vice-president of the MCA, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) interest U-16 and U-19 tournaments has meant players are taken good care of nowadays in terms of hotels and allowances. However, the 59-year-old recalled the time when he used to get a daily allowance of Rs 10 whenever he played for the Mumbai University.

"The team used to travel in unreserved second class train compartments. We slept wherever we could get a place to sleep. We used to stay together in tiny rooms. We were all young then, so it was fun. I really enjoyed those days," the former national chief selector said.