The 5th Ajit Ghosh Memorial Trophy (T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament), held under the aegis of the Mumbai Cricket Association, has been made possible by the generous support of sponsors such as Redfox Media Corp., Avisha Sports, and SRG Sports Official. Additional contributors like Hansaben Mehta, Sandip Vichare, Depen Parekh, and Ashish Redij have further demonstrated their commitment to promoting women’s cricket. The Woman of the Match award, donated by Nadim Memon, serves as a key motivator, celebrating exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
Led by Ms. Arundhati Ghosh, Secretary of the Sporting Union Club, and supported by an industrious organizing committee comprising Hemangi Naik, Laxmikant Amrutkar, Hemant Pednekar, Vidula Wagle, Ranjit Dalvi, and Suhas Joshi, the tournament continues to showcase thrilling cricketing action.
In the second match of the tournament, Bhama C.C. registered an emphatic victory over J. Bhatia C.C. by a massive 132-run margin.
Match No 2 :
Bhama C.C., batting first, put up an impressive total of 215 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Preity Iyer emerged as the star performer, remaining unbeaten with a scintillating 125 runs off 65 balls, showcasing her dominance with powerful hitting and brilliant stroke play. She was well-supported by Manasi Rooke, who scored a crucial 35 runs.
In reply, J. Bhatia C.C. struggled against Bhama C.C.’s disciplined bowling attack. Chandan Kanotiya and Soumya Pandey were instrumental in dismantling the opposition, taking crucial wickets and restricting the batters. J. Bhatia C.C. was bundled out for just 83 runs in 20 overs, with Kavya Dhayre top-scoring with 21 runs.
Key Performances:
Pretty Iyer (Bhama C.C.): 125* (65 balls) – Awarded Woman of the Match
Manasi Rooke (Bhama C.C.): 35 runs and effective spells
Chandan Kanotiya (Bhama C.C.): 3/26 in 4 overs
Soumya Pandey (Bhama C.C.): 2 wickets
Score Highlights:
Bhama C.C.: 215/2 in 20 overs
J. Bhatia C.C.: 83/10 in 20 overs
Bhama C.C.’s dominance in the match sets the tone for the rest of the tournament, as the players aim to continue delivering thrilling performances for cricket enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for more updates from the 5th Ajit Ghosh Memorial Trophy T20 Women’s Tournament!
Matunga Gymkhana, January 13, 2025
The 5th Ajit Ghosh Memorial Trophy (T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament), organized under the aegis of the Mumbai Cricket Association, owes its success to the generous support of sponsors like Redfox Media Corp., Avisha Sports, and SRG Sports Official, alongside contributors Hansaben Mehta, Sandip Vichare, Depen Parekh, and Ashish Redij, whose dedication is advancing women’s cricket. The Woman of the Match award, donated by Nadim Memon, adds further encouragement for standout performances.
Spearheaded by Ms. Arundhati Ghosh, Secretary of the Sporting Union Club, and backed by a diligent organizing committee comprising Hemangi Naik, Laxmikant Amrutkar, Hemant Pednekar, Vidula Wagle, Ranjit Dalvi, and Suhas Joshi, the tournament continues to deliver high-energy cricketing action.
Match 1: Sporting Union Club Edges Past Maharashtra Young Cricketers
In the opening match of the tournament, Sporting Union Club clinched a five-wicket victory over Maharashtra Young Cricketers, chasing down a target of 122 in 17.4 overs.
Maharashtra Young Cricketers Bat First
Opting to field first, Sporting Union Club restricted their opponents to 121/7 in 20 overs. Captain Sanaya Joshi led the charge for Maharashtra Young Cricketers with an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls, while Gagana Mulkala’s stellar bowling for Sporting Union Club stole the show, bagging 3 wickets for just 15 runs in her 4 overs.
Other noteworthy performances included an economical spell by Vaishnavi Palav (4-0-14-0) and Mahima Yadav, who chipped in with a wicket for 14 runs in 2 overs.
Sporting Union Club’s Chase
Chasing 122, Pranjal Malekar set the tone for Sporting Union Club with an explosive 55 off 38 balls, earning her the Player of the Match award. Her 86-run opening partnership with Dhruvi Patel (30 off 38) laid a solid foundation. Despite a mid-innings wobble, the team reached the target comfortably with 14 balls to spare. Maharashtra Young Cricketers’ Jain Shah impressed with figures of 4-0-19-2.
Match Highlights
- Player of the Match: Pranjal Malekar (Sporting Union Club) – 55 runs off 38 balls.
- Bowling Highlights:
- Gagana Mulkala (Sporting Union Club): 4-0-15-3
- Jain Shah (Maharashtra Young Cricketers): 4-0-19-2
![Pranjal Mayekar Women of the Match]()
Pranjal Mayekar Women of the Match
Brief Score:
Maharashtra Young Cricketers (Batting) : 121/7 in 20 overs
Sanaya Joshi 52 (41)*, Saini Shah 23 (26)
Sporting Union Club (Bowling) : Gagana Mulkala 3/15 in 4 Overs, Tanvi Chavan 2/20 in 3 Overs
Sporting Union Club (Batting) : 121/7 in 20 overs
Pranjal Malekar 55 (39), Dhruvi Patel 30 (38)
Maharashtra Young Cricketers (Bowling) : Ananya Iyer 2/28 in 4 Overs, Jaini Shah 2/19 in 3.4 Overs
This action-packed match served as a fitting start to the tournament, showcasing the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of women’s cricket.
Kuldeep Raghu Gupta, a promising 17-year-old left-arm spinner, is making waves in Mumbai’s cricketing circles. Trained at the NNCA Cricket Academy in Borivali West under the tutelage of esteemed coach Usman Shaikh, Kuldeep’s performances across various tournaments have showcased his immense potential and dedication to the sport.
Coach Usman Shaikh, known for mentoring young cricketers and honing their skills with a focus on discipline and technique, has been instrumental in shaping Kuldeep’s cricketing journey. NNCA Cricket Academy, under his guidance, has become a nurturing ground for budding cricketers in Mumbai, providing them with the technical expertise and mental toughness required to excel.
Kuldeep has consistently delivered impressive performances across premier tournaments like the Kanga League, Kanga Knockout, Times Shield, and Bhama Cup. His ability to trouble batsmen with his flight, turn, and accuracy has made him a valuable asset for every team he represents.
In the Kanga League for Sangam Cricket Club, Kuldeep grabbed attention with remarkable spells, including a standout performance where he picked up 4 wickets for just 28 runs in an 8-over spell. He followed this with another 4-wicket haul (11-3-18-4) in a crucial match, reaffirming his knack for delivering under pressure.
In the Times Shield, playing for MacLeod Pharma, Kuldeep delivered a sensational spell, bagging 3 wickets for just 3 runs in 3 overs. His consistency continued with solid performances where he contributed crucial breakthroughs, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches.
Kuldeep’s performances in the Kanga Knockout and Bhama Cup U-19 tournaments further highlight his versatility. A standout moment came when he produced an extraordinary spell of 5.4 overs, taking 5 wickets for just 11 runs against a strong opposition in the Bhama Cup.
Coach Usman Shaikh expressed pride in Kuldeep’s growth. “Kuldeep has a natural talent for spin bowling, and his work ethic is commendable. At NNCA, we focus on building both the skills and the character of players. Kuldeep is a perfect example of this philosophy,” he said.
With his unwavering commitment and the expert guidance of Coach Usman Shaikh, Kuldeep Gupta is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the coming years. As he continues to refine his craft at NNCA Cricket Academy, he has set his sights on higher accolades in domestic and national cricket.
The CNPL League delivered a thrilling encounter between Jay Hind Cricket Club and Ours Cricket Academy at Prathamesh Stadium in Nalasopara. The match showcased the brilliance of two promising players, Mann Mrittyunjay Singh and Rudra Kacchadia, both trained under Coach Durgesh Mahant at DM Cricket Academy (Mira Road).
Jay Hind Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they faced a devastating spell of bowling from Mann Mrittyunjay Singh, a right-arm medium-fast bowler. Mann dismantled the opposition with a phenomenal performance, taking seven wickets in just 3.2 overs while conceding only eight runs. His lethal accuracy and ability to swing the ball proved too much for Jay Hind’s batting lineup, which collapsed for a modest total of 138 runs.
Coach Durgesh Mahant, known for shaping young talents at DM Cricket Academy, praised Mann’s outstanding effort. “Mann has consistently shown growth in his game, and today’s performance reflects his hard work and dedication. He is one of the most promising medium-fast bowlers in the circuit,” Mahant said.
In the second innings, Ours Cricket Academy faced a challenging task but managed to achieve the target, thanks to the composed and aggressive batting of Rudra Kacchadia. Rudra played a match-winning knock, scoring 50 runs, which included six boundaries and a six. His innings steadied the chase during critical moments, showcasing his ability to handle pressure.
Rudra, another standout talent from DM Cricket Academy, received high praise from his coach. “Rudra’s temperament and shot selection make him a vital player. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate is remarkable,” said Coach Mahant.
Ours Cricket Academy secured the win by three wickets, and the contributions of Mann and Rudra were pivotal in their success.
This match not only highlighted the individual brilliance of these players but also reinforced the reputation of DM Cricket Academy under the guidance of Coach Durgesh Mahant. His mentorship continues to shape future cricketing stars, proving the importance of structured training and dedication in achieving success. Mann’s exceptional bowling and Rudra’s determined batting have set the stage for more such performances in their cricketing journey.
The highly awaited 5th Ajit Ghosh T20 Women’s Tournament, organized by the Sporting Union Club, is all set to commence from 13th January to 17th January at the picturesque venues of Matunga Gymkhana and New Hind Sports Club. Since its inception in 2019, this tournament has been instrumental in promoting women’s cricket and providing a platform for talented players.
T20 WOMEN’S CRICKET TOURNAMENT
Spearheaded by Ms. Arundhati Ghosh, Secretary of the Sporting Union Club, and supported by a dedicated organizing committee comprising Hemangi Naik, Laxmikant Amrutkar, Hemant Pednekar, Vidula Wagle, Ranjit Dalvi, and Suhas Joshi, the event promises to deliver high-energy cricketing action.
The tournament is backed by sponsors such as Redfox Media Corp, Avisa Sports, and SRG Sports Official, along with generous contributors like Hansaben Mehta, Sandip Vichare, Depen Parekh, and Ashish Redij, whose unwavering support highlights their dedication to advancing women’s cricket.
Participating Teams
This year’s tournament will see fierce competition among eight teams:
Sporting Union Club
SRG Sports Official
Borivili CC
Bhatia CC
Bhama CC
Sainath SC
Dashing CC
Maharashtra Young SC
Tournament Highlights
Players will compete for individual accolades, including:
Best All-Rounder
Best Bowler
Best Batswoman
Additionally, the Woman of the Match award, generously donated by Nadim Memon, will recognize standout performances in every match, further encouraging players to deliver their best.
Championship Contenders
The teams will battle it out for the ultimate honor of being crowned champions, while the runner-up position also holds significant prestige.
Ms. Arundhati Ghosh shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This tournament exemplifies the spirit of women’s cricket and offers a platform for players to showcase their skills. We are grateful for the unwavering support from our sponsors, the Mumbai Cricket Association, and committee members.”
As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly await breathtaking performances and moments of sporting brilliance. With the opening match scheduled for 13th January, the stage is set for a spectacular celebration of cricket at the Ghosh T20 Women’s Tournament.
Rahul Thakur is a well-known name in Indian cricket, having made his mark as both a player and a coach. Born and raised in Mumbai, Thakur played in the prestigious Ranji Trophy for Mumbai and Railways, showcasing his skill and determination at the highest levels of domestic cricket. His experience as a first-class cricketer laid the groundwork for his successful coaching career.
Thakur’s coaching journey is backed by solid credentials. He is a BCCI Level 2 and ICC Level 2 certified coach, reflecting his deep understanding of the game and modern coaching techniques. His knowledge and expertise have made him a guiding force for many young and aspiring cricketers.
In 2018, Thakur took up the role of Bowling Coach at the Mumbai Cricket Academy. His expertise in bowling helped shape the academy’s programs and improve the performance of several young bowlers. Building on this success, he was later appointed as the Assistant Coach for the Mumbai Under-19 boys’ team for three consecutive seasons, from 2021-22 to 2023-24. During these years, Thakur played a crucial role in helping the team develop their skills and perform better in various tournaments.
In addition to these achievements, Rahul Thakur has been a dedicated coach at Shivaji Park for the past nine years. Shivaji Park, a historical hub for nurturing cricketing talent, has seen Thakur mentor numerous budding players. His consistent presence there has cemented his reputation as a trusted and inspiring coach.
What sets Thakur apart is his ability to connect with young players. He brings a player’s perspective to his coaching, offering practical advice and encouragement to those under his guidance. His focus on technical improvements, fitness, and mental toughness has made him an invaluable mentor.
Rahul Thakur’s journey is a testament to his passion for cricket. From playing in the Ranji Trophy to nurturing the next generation of cricketers, his contribution to the sport is inspiring. As a player, he showed grit and determination; as a coach, he imparts the same values to his trainees, ensuring a bright future for Indian cricket.
The Police Invitation Shield 2024-25 witnessed a stellar performance from PJ Hindu Gymkhana, who faced Shivaji Park Gymkhana at their home ground. The match turned into a showcase of exceptional talent, with Amogh Bhatkal and Rahul Sawant stealing the spotlight.
Batting first PJ Hindu Gymkhana amassed a colossal total of 459 runs. The standout performer was Amogh Bhatkal, who delivered a breathtaking knock of 184 runs off just 170 balls. His innings included 18 boundaries and 6 sixes, demonstrating his dominance over the bowlers. This innings followed his remarkable century in the previous match against Sponsors XI, making him the top performer in the tournament so far.
Kaushik Chilkhalikar added to the fireworks with a fine 105 off 119 balls, featuring 10 fours and5 sixes. Ajit Yadav also played a crucial role, scoring a quickfire 101 off 94 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six, providing the perfect support to Bhatkal’s innings.
In the bowling department, Rahul Sawant was the hero dismantling Shivaji Park Gymkhana’s batting lineup with a phenomenal six-wicket haul in 21 overs. His fiery spell left the opposition reeling at 127 all out. This performance came on the heels of his five-wicket haul in the previous match against Sponsors XI, establishing him as a force to reckon with in the tournament.
Brief Scores:
PJ Hindu Gymkhana 459 (Amogh Bhatkal 184, Kaushik Chilkhalikar 105, Ajit Yadav 101)
Shivaji Park Gymkhana 127 all out (Rahul Sawant 6/21)
Amogh Bhatkal’s explosive batting and Rahul Sawant’s devastating bowling have placed PJ Hindu Gymkhana as strong contenders in the tournament, inspiring teammates and fans alike with their exceptional performances
In a high-octane clash during the Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament 2024-25, Bombay Gymkhana secured a remarkable victory over Police Gymkhana, thanks to stellar performances by Onkar Jadhav and Parag Khanapurkar.
Onkar Jadhav’s Batting Brilliance
Opening the innings, Onkar Jadhav delivered a masterclass in batting, scoring a dazzling 131 runs off 124 balls. His innings, adorned with 13 fours and 4 sixes, set the tone for Bombay Gymkhana’s commanding total of 380 runs. Jadhav’s ability to dominate bowlers while maintaining composure showcased his exceptional form and timing.
Parag Khanapurkar‘s All-Round Heroics
Captain Parag Khanapurkar played a crucial supporting role with the bat, contributing a quick-fire 54 runs off 51 balls, including 9 boundaries and a six. However, his brilliance was not limited to batting; Khanapurkar was instrumental with the ball as well, taking 3 key wickets in 16 overs, ensuring his team maintained control over the game.
Match Highlights
Bombay Gymkhana’s Bowling Attack:
While Khanapurkar led from the front, Vijay Gohil was the standout bowler, picking up 4 wickets in 20 overs to dismantle the Police Gymkhana batting lineup.
Aaryaraj Nikam’s Resilience:
Police Gymkhana’s chase was spearheaded by Aaryaraj Nikam, who scored a determined 101 runs off 129 balls, including 14 fours. Despite his efforts, the team was bowled out for 333 runs, falling 47 runs short.
This thrilling encounter highlighted the leadership and versatility of Parag Khanapurkar and the dominance ofOnkar Jadhav whose contributions steered Bombay Gymkhana to a well-deserved win.
The Police Invitation Shield Tournament 2024-25 continues to deliver gripping cricketing moments, with more action-packed matches ahead.
Vineet Sinha, a name synonymous with resilience and passion, has risen from humble beginnings to carve a stellar cricketing career. Starting his journey at 19, Vineet proved age is just a number by winning the title of “Fastest Bowler of Mumbai (U-19)” in the Mid Day Race for Pace. His incredible talent took him to the MRF Pace Foundation, where he trained under Denis Lee, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
Vineet went on to represent Mumbai U-22 and became a Ranji Trophy probable, a testament to his skill. Corporate cricket giants Air India and MIG Cricket Club recognized his potential, recruiting him for prestigious A-division tournaments. His national recognition grew when he ranked 7th in India in the Scorpio Speedster Contest and dismissed Matt Prior while representing Mumbai in a match against the England National Team.
A defining chapter of his career unfolded at DY Patil Sports Academy, where he thrived under the leadership of Abey Kuruvilla, leading his team to victories in tournaments like the DY Patil T20 and Kanga League. His international stint saw him shine in the UK, playing for clubs like Cove Cricket Club and Aldershot Cricket Club for eight consecutive years.
Despite his stellar performances, Vineet faced setbacks in domestic cricket but rebounded by representing the Poland National Team, winning the Central Eastern European Cup and Baltic Cup, and earning the Best Bowler title.
Post-pandemic, Vineet embraced coaching, earning an ICC Level 1 Certification and mentoring young cricketers at Chicago Youth Cricket Academy (CYCA). Under his guidance, two players earned spots on the USA U-19 National Team. As a player, he has dominated US leagues, earning a place in the Master Cricket USA (Over-40) team for the World Series Cup 2025 in Brisbane.
Vineet’s journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle. From Mumbai to the world stage, his story continues to inspire cricketers globally.
Mumbai, December 31, 2024: ACTIVE SPORTS is thrilled to announce AVISA CUP 2025, a flagship cricket tournament that promises to deliver exciting matches and exceptional sportsmanship. The tournament will take place at the Asahi Cricket Ground in Taloja, starting from January 26th, 2025.
This prestigious event will feature 16 top-notch teams from across the city, each vying for the coveted AVISA CUP 2025 title. The participating teams include:
Axis Mutual Funds, Any Sports, Mumbai Incredibles, Master Blaster, Rising Stars, Palava Cricket Club, MMCC, Re-ignited, RTise, Thane Cricket Club, Mumbai Super Hawks, Infinite Warriors, Y-Not, Mighty Mavericks, Maitri XI, and Mulund Knockers.
ACTIVE SPORTS is committed to promoting sports excellence and providing a platform for corporate cricketers to showcase their skills. AVISA CUP 2025 is a testament to this commitment, with a focus on fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The tournament will feature special awards for outstanding performances, including:
– Best Batsman
– Best Bowler
– Man of the Match
– Player of the Series
Sponsored by AVISA
The organiser will also provide jerseys to all participating players.
“We are excited to host AVISA CUP 2025 and provide a platform for corporate cricketers to compete against each other,” said Vijay Kumar, CEO of AVISA. “We look forward to witnessing thrilling matches and exceptional sportsmanship throughout the tournament.”
2025 is the 2nd year in Succession that ACTIVE SPORTS is organizing AVISA CUP. We are happy and proud to be associated with a fast growing sporting entity in Mumbai- ACTIVE SPORTS said Vijay.
He also added:
On this occasion of the 2nd edition of AVISA CUP I take the opportunity of thanking the management of ACTIVE SPORTS who have been using AVISA premier leather balls for all of their tournaments.
We wish ACTIVE SPORTS and all the competing teams the very best and look forward for an exciting tournament
Catch all the action LIVE on the Active Sports YouTube channel!