Mumbai, March 2024 – Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School has emerged victorious in the prestigious DSO U-14 Tournament, securing the City, District, and State titles under the expert guidance of Coach Kadir Patel and Coach Ghulam Parkar. The team showcased exceptional talent, resilience, and dominance throughout the tournament, with standout performances from rising star Aarav Yadav.
This remarkable achievement was made possible by the steadfast support of President Padmshree Dr. Zahir Kazi Sir, whose commitment has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong cricketing culture at the school. His vision and encouragement have been the driving force behind the team’s growth and success.
Additionally, the team’s accomplishments were fueled by the expert coaching of former Indian cricketer Ghulam Parkar and Kadir Patel, whose strategic insights have played a crucial role in shaping young talents.
City Finals: A Strong Start
In the DSO U-14 City Final, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School faced Anjuman I Islam Urdu School in a high-intensity match. Anjuman Islam Urdu School batted first and posted 63 runs in 10 overs. Chasing the target with confidence, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School secured a 6-wicket victory to qualify for the DSO District match.
District Match: A Quick Finish
Advancing to the DSO District stage, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School went up against Mumbai Suburban in an intense 2-over match. Demonstrating aggressive batting, they chased down the total in just five balls, thanks to Aarav Yadav’s explosive 15 runs off 4 balls, securing their place in the DSO State Finals.
State Finals: Mumbai vs. Nagpur – A Commanding Victory
Representing Mumbai U-14 in the DSO State Final against Nagpur U-14, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School put on a dominant performance. Batting first, they posted a formidable total of 143 runs in 15 overs.
Aarav Yadav was the star of the innings, smashing 75 runs off just 32 balls, including 6 fours and 6 sixes.
Laxman Prasad Vishwakarma provided strong support, scoring 40 runs in 20 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Defending the total, Mumbai U-14’s bowling attack was relentless. Aarav Yadav once again made an impact, taking 2 crucial wickets in 3 overs, ensuring a comfortable victory. With this win, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School was crowned the DSO U-14 State Champions.
Selected Players for Maharashtra U-14 National Team
1. Aarav Sanee Yadav
2. Vedant Mahesh Kadu
3. Mohammad Aafi Jalis Shaikh
4. Laxmanprasad Durgaprasad Vishwakarma
These rising stars played a crucial role in Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School triumphant DSO U-14 campaign, where they won the City, District, and State Championships. Their exceptional performances have now earned them the prestigious opportunity to compete at the national level, showcasing Maharashtra’s cricketing talent on a bigger stage.
A School Committed to Sporting Excellence
Under the leadership of Principal Rizwana Satare,Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School has consistently excelled in both academics and sports. The school prioritizes the growth of student-athletes by providing top-notch cricketing facilities, including bats, balls, pitches, and access to training grounds at Azad Maidan.
Pioneers of Cricket at Anjuman-I-Islam
The school’s cricketing success would not have been possible without the efforts of Abid Khan Sir and Vaheed Shaikh Sir, the driving forces behind its cricketing foundation. These two stalwarts initiated and built the cricketing culture atAnjuman I Islam Allana English High School , laying the groundwork for the school’s current dominance in Mumbai’s school cricket circuit. Today, they continue to play a crucial role as cricket coordinators, ensuring the program remains at the forefront of excellence.
Dombivli Gymkhana: In a high-scoring contest, BCC emerged victorious against Fastrack Sports Club, securing a commanding 111-run win. The match saw an impressive performance from BCC’s captain Smit Pomendkar, whose crucial knock of 51 runs off just 34 balls set the foundation for his team’s victory.
Smit Pomenkar Leads from the Front as BCC Posts 267
Opting to bat first, BCC put up a formidable total of 267 runs in 35 overs. Despite losing early wickets, Smit Pomendkar led from the front, stepping in at No. 5 to stabilize the innings. His 51-run knock, laced with four boundaries, provided much-needed momentum to the innings. BCC’s middle-order batters complemented his effort, ensuring a challenging target for Fastrack Sports Club.
Harsh Patankar’s Bowling Masterclass Dismantles Fastrack SC
Chasing 268 for victory, Fastrack Sports Club struggled against BCC’s disciplined bowling attack. They were eventually bundled out for 156 runs, falling short by a massive 111 runs. Harsh Patankar was the pick of the bowlers, scalping 4 wickets in just 4 overs, rattling the opposition with his precise line and length.
Man of the Match – Smit Pomendkar
For his exceptional captain’s knock, Smit Pomendkar was named the Man of the Match. His innings not only stabilized BCC’s batting but also ensured they posted a match-winning total.
With this victory, BCC continues to showcase its dominance, with Pomendkar leading by example. The team will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures.
Navi Mumbai – The 19th DY Patil T20 League witnessed an intense battle between CGST and BPCL, where BPCL emerged victorious by successfully chasing down a competitive target of 158. Despite the loss, CGST’s Ninad Kadam stole the show with a sensational knock of 72 runs off just 43 balls, displaying a masterclass in stroke play.
CGST Set a Competitive Total
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, CGST posted a respectable total of 157/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the outstanding performance of Ninad Kadam , who played a fluent knock, smashing 11 boundaries on his way to a well-crafted 72. Supporting him was Vinay Kumar, who contributed with a steady 51 off 44 balls, including six fours and a six. Their partnership laid a strong foundation, but BPCL’s disciplined bowling ensured that CGST couldn’t accelerate much in the death overs.
BPCL’s Chase and Victory
In response, BPCL comfortably chased the target, reaching 158 and securing the win. Despite CGST’s efforts to put pressure on their opponents, BPCL’s batters managed to stay in control and successfully completed the chase.
Ninad Kadam Shines Despite CGST’s Loss
While CGST couldn’t cross the finish line, Ninad Kadam exceptional innings was the highlight of the match. His fluent stroke play and aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking and provided CGST with a fighting total. His performance once again proved his ability to deliver under pressure, making him the standout performer of the game.
As the tournament progresses, CGST will look to bounce back stronger, while BPCL will aim to carry forward their winning momentum. However, for cricket fans, Ninad Kadam innings will be remembered as a display of fine batting, even in a losing cause.
Delhi Capitals Alpha Cricket Academy, nestled in Patna, Bihar, stands as a beacon for aspiring athletes, offering unparalleled facilities and training programs designed to nurture and elevate sports talent in the region.
State-of-the-Art Cricket Facilities
The academy boasts a meticulously maintained 55-yard cricket ground with 3 centre turf wickets, complemented by five practice nets featuring diverse wicket types: three turf wickets, one astro-turf, and one cement wicket. This variety ensures that cricketers gain comprehensive experience across different playing surfaces, enhancing their adaptability and skills. To facilitate extended training sessions, especially during evening hours, the ground is equipped with floodlights, and modern bowling machines are available to simulate real-match scenarios.
Comprehensive Residential and Educational Support
Understanding the holistic needs of young athletes, Alpha Sports Academy offers hostel accommodations with 75 dormitory style rooms with AC, providing a comfortable and secure living environment. In collaboration with Prarambhika World School, a CBSE-affiliated school up to 10+2, the academy ensures that students can seamlessly continue their academic pursuits alongside rigorous sports training. This integrated approach ensures that budding athletes do not have to compromise on their education while chasing their sporting dreams.
Elite Coaching and Training Personnel
The academy’s coaching roster is adorned with experienced professionals dedicated to imparting top-tier training. The cricket program is led by Mr. Sunil Singh Ex Ranji Trophy Captain of Bihar and Mr. Pramod Kumar, a BCCI-accredited Level 2 as Head coach with immense experience. Their collective expertise ensures that each trainee receives personalized guidance, fostering both skill development and strategic understanding of the game.
Strategic Collaborations Enhancing Opportunities
Elevating its commitment to excellence, Alpha Sports Academy has forged a significant partnership with Delhi Capitals, marking Bihar’s first IPL grassroots development center. This collaboration opens avenues for local talent to be scouted and nurtured for professional leagues, bringing global exposure to the region’s cricketers. Additionally, the academy’s association with the Bihar Cricket Association further solidifies its stature as a premier training hub, ensuring adherence to high standards and offering players opportunities to participate in state-level competitions.
Holistic Development Amenities
Beyond cricket, the academy emphasizes the overall well-being and fitness of its athletes. A fully equipped gymnasium is available, allowing players to focus on strength and conditioning, essential components for athletic excellence. The academy also provides cricket kits, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder a player’s progress. For younger enthusiasts aged 5-10, the ‘Alpha Sports Lite’ program offers a fun and fitness-oriented introduction to multiple sports, fostering early development of stamina, endurance, flexibility, and teamwork.
Expanding Reach with Multiple Branches
To cater to a broader audience and make quality sports training accessible, Alpha Sports Academy has established branches in Neorganj and Veer Kuwar Singh Park, in the heart of the city. These centers aim to tap into local talent pools, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to excel in sports.
Visionary Leadership Steering the Academy
The academy’s success and progressive approach are attributed to the visionary leadership of Mr. Sumit Prakash, the founder and director. His dedication to creating a robust sports ecosystem in Bihar stems from a desire to provide genuine opportunities to the region’s youth, raising awareness about organized sports and encouraging participation at the grassroots level for both girls and boys.
Testimonials Reflecting Excellence
The academy’s reputation is further bolstered by testimonials from trainees and their families, highlighting the quality of coaching, facilities, and the supportive environment that fosters both personal and athletic growth.
In essence, Alpha Sports Academy is not just a training ground but a nurturing environment where dreams are realized, and future sports stars are born, embodying the spirit of dedication, excellence, and holistic development.\
Kalyan- A thrilling individual match at Santosh Sports Cricket Academy saw Cricwiz Academy U-12 clinch a commanding win against SSCA U-12. Batting first, SSCA U-12 posted a strong total of 233/6 in 30 overs. However, Cricwiz Academy chased it down comfortably, scoring 238/4 in 30 overs, thanks to a brilliant century by their young captain, Yashmeer Gupte.
Just 10 years old, Yashmeer Gupte led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 108 runs off 93 balls, smashing 15 fours and a six. His stellar performance ensured Cricwiz Academy secured victory with ease. This knock adds to his growing reputation, as he has already registered four half-centuries in recent matches.
Yashmeer’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of 4, and he has been honing his skills at Cricwiz Academy for the past six years. He trains under the expert guidance of Coach Prashant Yelwe and Sagar Joshi, the founders of Cricwiz Academy. Their mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping young talents like Yashmeer, who is emerging as one of the most promising cricketers in his age group.
Cricwiz Academy structured coaching approach has consistently produced exceptional young cricketers, and Yashmeer’s knock is a testament to their commitment to grassroots cricket development. With his current form, he is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming tournaments.
This remarkable innings not only secured a memorable win for Cricwiz Academy but also highlighted Yashmeer Gupte’s immense potential as a rising cricket star.
In a commanding performance at the BMC Dadar ground, Maskati Cricket Club secured a decisive victory over Prabodhan Goregaon in the 2024-25 Seth Gordhandas Shield tournament. Winning the toss, Maskati elected to bat first and posted a total of 168 runs.
The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Siddhesh Jadhav, who scored 64 runs off 42 balls, including five boundaries. He was well-supported by Pratik Mayekar, who contributed 45 runs off 27 balls, hitting seven fours.
In response, Prabodhan Goregaon struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 73 runs. Maskati’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Pratham Wagh taking two wickets and Pratik Mayekar adding one to his earlier batting exploits.
Spotlight on Siddhesh Jadhav
Siddhesh Jadhav impressive knock is a testament to his dedication and training. He hones his skills at the Risinng Star Cricket Academy in Mira Bhayandar who’s Head Coach is Nandu Jadhav. The academy, known for its excellent infrastructure and personalized coaching, has been instrumental in developing young talent in the region.
Coach Nandu Jadhav, a seasoned cricketer with experience in corporate cricket, established the Risinng Star Cricket Academy to nurture aspiring cricketers. His commitment to providing structured coaching has led many players to excel in Mumbai’s competitive cricket circuit.
Siddhesh’s journey reflects the academy’s mission to cultivate talent and foster a passion for the sport. His performance in the recent match underscores his potential and the quality of training he receives.
Maskati Cricket Club victory and Siddhesh Jadhav standout performance highlight the importance of dedicated coaching and structured practice in achieving excellence in cricket.
Mumbai’s U14 cricket team has emerged victorious in the prestigious West Zone Tournament, and among the shining talents of the squad was Dhariya Patil, a promising young cricketer from iThinksportz Cricket Academy. His stellar performance played a crucial role in the team’s triumph, bringing immense pride to his academy and coach Santosh Matkar.
Under the expert guidance of ICC-certified coach Santosh Matkar, Dhariya has honed his skills and proven his mettle on the field. The journey from training at iThinksportz Academy at Ramseth Thakur International Sports complex to representing Mumbai in the U14 MCA team is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Coach Matkar, who has been instrumental in Dhariya’s development, expressed his pride, saying, “Guiding you to greatness, one step at a time. It always feels good to be your mentor!” His mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping Dhariya into a player capable of excelling at the highest junior levels.
iThinksportz Cricket Academy, known for its structured training programs and commitment to nurturing young talent, continues to produce top-tier cricketers. The academy’s focus on discipline, skill enhancement, and competitive exposure has helped players like Dhariya rise through the ranks.
Dhariya’s recent success in the West Zone Tournament is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in cricket. With continued guidance from Coach Santosh Matkar and support from iThinksportz Cricket Academy, the young prodigy is on the path to greater achievements.
As Mumbai celebrates this victory, the cricketing fraternity looks forward to witnessing Dhariya’s continued progress and contributions to the sport. Congratulations to Dhariya, his coach, and iThinksportz Cricket Academy on this incredible feat!
It’s often said that there are two types of people: the majority (99%) who may find success difficult or have different priorities, and the elite few (1%) who reach the top and achieve their dreams. But is it just hard work that gets them there, or are there other factors at play?
Hard-work is just one of the many factors that contribute towards attaining that feat. And while having a clear vision along with a positive attitude are some of the other key components, none of these things can take you to glory if there is no discipline in one’s life.
There will be some days where your efforts may not match your potential, there will be days when you will have a not-so-positive attitude and when that happens, even your vision which was crystal clear earlier, may get distorted. Here’s where discipline plays a key role.
One such inspiring story of discipline can be learnt from the daily life of the Khan family that has been making intense waves in the cricketing fraternity. Naushad Khan’s sons Sarfaraz Khan, Moin Khan and Musheer Khan have all been associated with Cricket with Sarfaraz Khan already represented for India at the International level. In the Khan family’s narrative, discipline is not just a word, but a way of life. Their story showcases how having a disciplined approach can help overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary goals.
Moin Khan recently sat down with Cricket Graph to discuss his journey from the cricket field to his current role as the founder of Macho Cricket Academy.
“Our father taught us to be disciplined if we want to succeed in Cricket. We used to wake up at 5 am in the morning to begin our practice. We hardly used to go to weddings or any social events as almost 100% of our efforts used to go in Cricket.”
The brothers learnt the art of following the routine and all credit went to Naushad Khan. Moin also said, “By 9 pm the lights of our house used to be shut so that we could get enough rest for practice the next day.”
Recently Moin Khan showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the Salarjung Tournament against Islam Gymkhana. He played a blistering knock of 66 runs off just 32 balls, smashing three fours and six sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 206.25. His explosive innings demonstrated his ability to dominate the opposition and reflected the disciplined approach instilled in him from a young age by his father, Naushad Khan.
Hence proved, discipline is essential for success in cricket. It creates structure and routine, leading to improved performance on the field.
In an intense cricket clash, CricWiz Academy faced a narrow 26-run defeat against SSCA while chasing a target of 135. Despite a strong bowling display led by Man of the Match, Gaurang Lange,CricWiz Academy couldn’t quite cross the finish line.
Bowling Brilliance Led by Gaurang Lange
CricWiz Academy put up a solid bowling performance, restricting SSCA to 135 runs. Gaurang Lange was the standout performer, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 overs, conceding just 16 runs while picking up 3 crucial wickets. He was well supported by Darsh Yewale, who also claimed 3 wickets for just 11 runs in his 3-over spell. Praveen Dewasi contributed significantly as well, bowling a tight 5-over spell, including a maiden, and taking 2 wickets for 24 runs.
Batting Effort Falls Short
Chasing a modest total, CricWiz Academy‘s batters showed resilience but couldn’t steer the team to victory. Yashmeer Gupte (28 runs) and Adesh Malunjkar (25 runs) fought hard, but the team ultimately fell 26 runs short of the target.
CricWiz Academy’s Fighting Spirit
Despite the loss , CricWiz Academy, under the guidance of their dedicated coaches Prashant Yelwe and Sagar Joshi, displayed great teamwork and determination. The disciplined bowling attack and a fighting batting effort highlighted the Academy’s progress and potential.
Coach Prashant Yelwe praised the team’s bowling efforts, especially Gaurang Lange, stating, “Gaurang showed great control and aggression. His performance was a big positive for us today.”
Meanwhile, coach Sagar Joshi emphasized the team’s overall progress, adding, “We are building a strong unit, and matches like these help us learn and grow. The boys put up a great fight, and we’ll bounce back stronger.”
Looking Ahead
CricWiz Academy may have fallen short in this match, but their talent and determination were on full display. With players like Gaurang Lange stepping up and strong mentorship from their coaches, the team is poised for greater success in the matches to come
Yogesh Shinde Shines with 4-Wicket Haul and Crucial Runs
In a thrilling final match of the 1st All India Police Cricket Tournament, Maharashtra Police emerged victorious, defeating Madhya Pradesh Police by 5 wickets at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, Surat. Maharashtra’s right-arm off-spinner Yogesh Shinde was the standout performer, delivering a match-winning all-round performance that earned him the Man of the Match award.
Madhya Pradesh Police Struggle Against Maharashtra’s Bowling Attack
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Madhya Pradesh Police faced a disciplined bowling attack from Maharashtra. They managed to put up a total of 126/8 in 20 overs. The innings was dominated by Maharashtra’s Yogesh Shinde, who bowled a sensational spell of 3 overs, taking 4 wickets for just 12 runs. His crucial breakthroughs kept Madhya Pradesh’s batters under pressure.
Supporting him, Yogesh Patil picked up 2 wickets, while Sunil Patil and Prashant Gaikwad contributed with one wicket each. Their combined effort ensured that Madhya Pradesh never gained momentum.
Maharashtra Police Chase the Target Comfortably
Chasing 127, Maharashtra Police showcased a solid batting performance, sealing the victory in 19 overs with five wickets in hand. The innings was stabilized by Yogesh Shinde, who made a valuable contribution of 21 runs, including a four and a six, adding to his all-round brilliance.
With steady partnerships and smart batting, Maharashtra Police crossed the finish line to claim the title, capping off a remarkable tournament.
Yogesh Shinde: The Star of the Final
For his exceptional bowling spell (4/12) and crucial contribution with the bat (21 runs), Yogesh Shinde was rightfully named Man of the Match. His match-winning performance played a pivotal role in Maharashtra Police’s title-winning campaign.
With this victory, Maharashtra Police not only lifted the trophy but also showcased the depth of talent in their squad, led by a brilliant all-round effort from Yogesh Shinde.