Chandigarh, March 2025: Chandigarh is getting ready for its biggest gully cricket tournament. UTCA and Chandigarh Police are working together to host Gully Cricket 2025 with the theme “Balla Ghumao, Nasha Bhagao.” The goal is to encourage kids to play cricket and stay away from bad habits.
Tournament Details
The tournament will take place from April 20 to May 11, 2025. Teams must complete their registration by April 7, 2025, to secure a spot in the event. Players eligible to participate must meet the following criteria:
1) Be a resident of Chandigarhz
2) Be born between April 1, 2006, and March 31, 2011
3) Submit their team registration at the nearest police station along with an Aadhar copy
Organizers & Key Figures
The initiative is spearheaded by Surendra Singh Yadav (DGP, Chandigarh) and Sanjay Tandon (President, UTCA). Their leadership, along with support from the Chandigarh administration and sponsors, aims to provide a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent.
Sponsors & Supporters
Several well-known organizations have come forward to support this tournament, making it a large-scale event for aspiring cricketers. The sponsors for Gully Cricket 2025 include Allengers, Amul, Tynor, Signicent LLP, and Elante Mall.
With the participation of young cricket enthusiasts from across Chandigarh, Gully Cricket 2025 promises to be a grand sporting spectacle, fostering community engagement and youth empowerment through the spirit of cricket.
Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has officially announced the return of the T20 Mumbai League, set to restart on May 27, 2025, after a six-year break. The tournament, which last took place in 2019, previously featured eight teams. This year, MCA is expanding the league to ten teams, adding two new franchises.
The existing teams in the league include Aakash Tigers, ARCS Andheri, Eagle Thane Strikers, NaMo Mumbai Panthers, Shivaji Park Lions, SOBO Supersonics, and Triumph Knights MNE. With the addition of two new teams, the competition is set to become even more exciting.
MCA has invited bids from interested parties to own and operate the two new teams. Bid documents can be collected from MCA’s office at Wankhede Stadium between April 1 and April 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cost of the bid document is ₹1,00,000, payable through a non-refundable demand draft favoring “Mumbai Cricket Association.”
The T20 Mumbai League has been a key platform for local talent, and its revival is expected to provide more opportunities for players to shine on a bigger stage.
For further details, interested parties can visit MCA’s official website or contact their office at Wankhede Stadium.
Cricket in Bihar is growing, and the President Cup Tournament is a big step forward. Organized by the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) under the leadership of President Rakesh Tiwari, this tournament gives young players a chance to show their talent. It will start on April 1st and will be played in Patna.
A Great Opportunity for Young Players
The President Cup is more than just a game—it helps young players improve. The tournament will have eight teams, divided into two groups. These teams will be chosen from different districts in Bihar. The matches will be played on good pitches with live scoring and coaching support.
Helping Players Go Forward
This tournament is a big chance for players who want to play in the Bihar Ranji Team or national tournaments. BCA selectors will watch the matches to find the best talent.
New Program: Search for Bowlers
BCA has also started a new program called “Search for Bowlers.” It will find and train young fast bowlers and spinners from all over Bihar. This program will help improve bowling skills and give players the training they need.
The Future of Bihar Cricket
With better coaching, good matches, and improved facilities, Bihar cricket is getting stronger. The President Cup will continue to grow and help more young players succeed. The tournament begins on April 1st in Patna, and cricket fans can look forward to exciting matches and new stars.
Under the leadership of Shri Deepak Pandit, a former IRS officer, the Custom Challengers team delivered an outstanding performance, winning all their matches and claiming the championship title. A veteran cricketer who has represented J&K in the Ranji Trophy, Deepak Pandit showcased his skills even in his 60s, bowling during the powerplay and taking two crucial wickets.
The highly anticipated Aviation Premier League Finals at MCA BKC delivered an exciting contest between DFS Daredevils and Customs Challengers in a high-intensity 10-over match.
DFS Daredevils, winning the toss, opted to bat first but faced stiff resistance from the Customs Challengers’ bowling attack. The Daredevils managed to post a total of 73/8 in their allotted 10 overs. The star of the bowling attack was Rahul Pahariya from Customs Challengers, who delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 4 wickets in just 2 overs while conceding only 6 runs. His exceptional bowling spell restricted the Daredevils from putting up a formidable total.
In response, Customs Challengers chased down the target with ease, reaching 74 in just 8.3 overs to claim the prestigious Aviation Premier League title. With this dominant performance, the Customs Challengers showcased their all-round superiority throughout the tournament.
Rahul Pahariya – The Match-Winner
Rahul Pahariya’s stunning performance with the ball made all the difference in the game. His precise line and length dismantled the DFS Daredevils’ batting order, ensuring a comfortable chase for his team. His efforts earned him the Man of the Match award, further cementing his impact on the final.
Best Performers of the Tournament
Apart from Rahul Pahariya’s brilliance in the final, other standout players throughout the tournament were:
Best Batsman of the Tournament: Parag Khanapurkar (Customs Challengers) – Consistently delivered match-winning knocks, playing a key role in Customs Challengers’ road to the title.
Best Bowler of the Tournament: Rahul Pahariya (Customs Challengers) – His disciplined bowling attack made him the tournament’s most dangerous bowler.
Man of the Tournament: Yash Chavan (Customs Challengers) – Showcased all-round excellence and played a crucial role in his team’s triumph.
With this victory, the Customs Challengers etched their name in the history of the Aviation Premier League, displaying an outstanding team effort and individual brilliance. The tournament concluded on a high note, celebrating exceptional cricketing talent and sportsmanship at MCA BKC.
Eknath Shinde Cricket Club delivered a commanding performance to register a massive 154-run victory over Morning Cricket Club in a T20 match of the 38th Dr. Shridhar Deshpande Summer League 2025 at Central Maidan, Thane.
After winning the toss, Eknath Shinde CC opted to bat first and put up a stunning total of 281 runs in just 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was a scintillating century by Chinmay Sutar, who smashed 102 runs off just 40 balls, hitting 9 fours and 7 sixes. He was well-supported by Shashikant Kadam (44 off 15 balls) and Akhil Herwadkar (38 off 15 balls), ensuring a mammoth target for Morning Cricket Club.
In response, Morning Cricket Club struggled against the lethal bowling attack of Eknath Shinde CC. Prasad Patil delivered a match-winning spell, taking 5 wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. Vidyadhar Kamath also contributed significantly, picking up 3 wickets in 3 overs.
Morning Cricket Club was eventually bundled out for just 127 runs, handing Eknath Shinde CC a dominant 154-run victory in this high-scoring T20 encounter.
With a blistering century from Chinmay Sutar and a five-wicket haul from Prasad Patil, Eknath Shinde CC showcased an all-round performance, setting the tone for the tournament.
Kalyan, March 24, 2025: CricWiz Cricket Academy has made a powerful statement in the GPL Cup 2025, securing two consecutive dominant victories to advance further in the tournament. With commanding performances against Maharashtra Cricket Academy and Youth Cricket Academy, Thane, CricWiz has showcased its prowess in both batting and bowling. At the heart of their success has been the explosive performances of young talent Rugved Baviskar, who has turned heads with his blistering batting and key contributions with the ball.
First Round (March 15, 2025) – CricWiz Cricket Academy vs. Maharashtra Cricket Academy
CricWiz Academy set the tone for the tournament with a resounding 111-run victory over Maharashtra Cricket Academy. Batting first, CricWiz piled up 246 runs in 30 overs, thanks to a breathtaking innings from Rugved Baviskar, who hammered 75 runs off just 32 balls, lacing his knock with 6 fours and 7 towering sixes. His aggressive batting dismantled the opposition bowling attack and provided CricWiz with a formidable total.
When it came to bowling, CricWiz Academy’s unit ensured that the opposition never found their footing. Rugved Baviskar once again made an impact, this time with the ball, delivering a dream over—1 over, 3 runs, and 2 wickets—effectively sealing the fate of Maharashtra Cricket Academy, who were bundled out for just 135 runs.
Second Round (March 23, 2025) – CricWiz Cricket Academy vs. Youth Cricket Academy, Thane
Carrying their momentum forward, CricWiz Academy produced another stellar performance in the second round, defeating Youth Cricket Academy, Thane, by 99 runs. Batting first, CricWiz posted a competitive 240/9 in 30 overs, and once again, it was Rugved Baviskar who stole the show, playing a scintillating knock of 91 runs off 49 balls, peppered with 10 boundaries and 6 massive sixes. His innings provided CricWiz with the acceleration they needed to put up a challenging total.
Despite conceding a few runs with the ball, Baviskar still managed to play a crucial role in dismantling the opposition’s chase, picking up 3 wickets for 48 runs in 4 overs. Youth Cricket Academy, Thane, struggled against CricWiz’s bowling attack and eventually folded for 141 runs, handing CricWiz another emphatic win.
CricWiz Cricket Academy – A Hub for Young Talent
CricWiz Academy, based in Kalyan, has been making waves in Mumbai’s cricket circuit under the expert guidance of Prashant Yelwe and Sagar Joshi, the academy’s owner and head coaches. Their vision and dedication to developing young cricketers have been instrumental in producing players like Rugved Baviskar, who has been a standout performer in the GPL Cup.
Speaking about the team’s performance, Coach Prashant Yelwe praised the players for their dedication and teamwork. “We have worked hard to prepare for this tournament, and it’s great to see the players executing their skills under pressure. Rugved has been phenomenal, and the entire squad is stepping up when needed,” he said.
Coach Sagar Joshi also highlighted the importance of discipline and hard work. “Our goal at CricWiz is to develop match-winners. These victories reflect the commitment and hunger our players have to succeed at a higher level. We’re confident that this is just the beginning for many of them.”
With two dominant victories in the GPL Cup, CricWiz Cricket Academy is now a serious contender for the title, and all eyes will be on them as they prepare for the next challenge. If Rugved Baviskar continues his red-hot form, CricWiz Cricket Academy could very well be on its way to clinching the championship.
Ravikant Bhatt, an ICC Level 1 coach, has created a niche for himself in Indian cricket, dedicating his life to promoting young talent. With years of experience under his belt, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of young budding cricketers across multiple academies.
Coaching Pedigree
Currently serving as the Head Coach, Ravikant Bhatt holds an esteemed position in Indian cricket coaching. He is also the batting coach of the Indian Deaf Cricket Team (IDCA), contributing significantly to the development of specially-abled cricketers. Beyond his role in national cricket, he is actively involved in grassroots development through six cricket academies, where he mentors aspiring players:
1. RKB Cricket Academy (Tyagi Public School)
2. St. Mary’s Cricket Academy
3. Shaheed Udham Singh Cricket Academy
4. Maharaja Agrasen Model School Cricket Academy
5. Jain Bharti Model School Cricket Academy
6. Maharaja Agrasen Public School Cricket Academy
Additionally, he serves as the Secretary of RKB Cricket Club in Lucknow, further cementing his commitment to nurturing cricketing talent at various levels.
A Collector of Cricketing History
Beyond coaching, Ravikant Bhatt is an ardent cricket enthusiast with an enviable collection of memorabilia from international cricket legends. His collection includes:
Australia Masters Cap signed by Shane Watson, Ben Cutting, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Shaun Marsh, and Xavier Doherty.
England Masters T-shirt signed by Ian Bell.
A match ball from the India vs West Indies game signed by Yuvraj Singh.
A bat signed by Indian greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan, Stuart Binny, and Yuvraj Singh.
This collection not only reflects his deep passion for the game but also serves as an inspiration for the young cricketers he mentors.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Ravikant Bhatt’s commitment to the game extends far beyond just training sessions. With ICC Level 1 Coach, he is shaping future cricket stars with passion and expertise His academies have become a hub for young talent, instilling in them discipline, technique, and a love for the game. His role as a mentor for the Indian Deaf Cricket Team showcases his dedication to making cricket accessible to all. With his vast experience, hands-on approach, and undying passion, Ravikant Bhatt continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s cricketing future.
Prayag Bhati has once again stamped his authority on the cricket field, delivering match-winning performances across multiple tournaments. With his explosive batting and reliable bowling, he has proven to be a game-changer in crucial encounters.
Batting Brilliance
Bhati’s aggressive approach at the crease has left bowlers struggling to contain him. His recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional:
105 off 50 balls vs Nagpur Income Tax – A breathtaking knock that showcased his ability to accelerate at will.
118 off 56 balls vs Uttarakhand RSB – A dominant innings where he single-handedly dismantled the opposition.
79 off 30 balls vs Pune Income Tax – A blistering knock at a strike rate of over 250.
70 off 40 balls vs Mumbai Customs – A crucial contribution in a tough match.
70 off 30 balls vs Nandurbar (Maharashtra T20) – A quickfire innings that set the tone for his team.
69 off 35 balls vs Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra T20) – Another explosive effort, proving his consistency.
52 off 19 balls vs Solapur (Maharashtra T20) – A fiery innings that took the game away from the opposition in no time.
Each of these innings underlines Bhati’s ability to take charge of a match, whether through power-hitting or calculated stroke play.
Impactful Bowling Spells
While his batting heroics have been the highlight, Bhati has also contributed with the ball, making him a complete package:
3.3 overs, 23 runs, 3 wickets vs RSB Kanpur – A crucial spell that helped his team gain control.
3.2 overs, 12 runs, 1 wicket – A tight spell that choked the opposition’s scoring rate.
Bhati’s all-round performances make him a standout player in every tournament he participates in. His ability to turn games around with both bat and ball proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the domestic circuit.
With consistent performances like these, Prayag Bhati is making a strong case for higher recognition. His dominance in these tournaments is a testament to his immense talent and match-winning ability. It will be exciting to see how he continues to shine in the coming matches or tournaments.
Mumbai, March 24, 2025 – Stylo Cricketers registered a commanding 7-wicket victory over Dahisar Youngsters in the ongoing Mumbai Junior Shield 2024-25, thanks to a stunning knock by Siddhesh Jadhav, who played a match-winning innings of 84 off 63 balls.
After winning the toss, Dahisar Youngsters elected to bat first, putting up a competitive total of 209 runs in 45 overs. Despite their strong efforts, Stylo Cricketers chased down the target comfortably in just 28.4 overs, with Siddhesh Jadhav leading the charge.
Siddhesh Jadhav Shines with the Bat
Batting at an aggressive strike rate, Jadhav smashed 10 fours and 2 sixes, dismantling the opposition bowling attack with ease. His dominant innings ensured Stylo Cricketers’ smooth chase, securing a well-earned 7-wicket win.
Jadhav is a rising young talent who hones his skills at Rising Star Cricket Academy in Mira Bhayandar, where he trains under the expert guidance of coach Nandu Jadhav. His performance in this match showcased the quality of training he receives at the academy, reaffirming its reputation for producing promising cricketers.
With this victory, Stylo Cricketers continue their strong run in the tournament, while Siddhesh Jadhav knock will surely be one to watch as the Mumbai Junior Shield progresses.
In an intense 40-over battle at Azad Maidan, Solapur, MCCA Mumbai secured a thrilling 15-run victory over Patel Cricket Academy. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Patel Cricket Academy found themselves on the receiving end of a batting masterclass led by MCCA Mumbai’s captain, Jagdish.
Jagdish’s Captain’s Knock Steers MCCA to 296
Batting first, MCCA Mumbai posted a formidable total of 296 runs in 40 overs, thanks to a brilliant century from captain Jagdish, who anchored the innings with a 101-run knock off 100 balls, smashing 14 boundaries. His composed innings ensured his team had a strong total to defend.
Patel Cricket Academy Falls Short in Run Chase
In response, Patel Cricket Academy put up a valiant fight but was bowled out for 281 runs, falling just 15 runs short of the target. Despite their efforts, MCCA Mumbai’s disciplined bowling attack ensured they emerged victorious in the high-scoring encounter.
Jagdish Named Man of the Match
For his match-winning century, Jagdish was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match. His ability to anchor the innings and lead from the front played a crucial role in MCCA Mumbai’s victory.
Training Under Coach Abhay Upadhyay at Masterclass Criket Academy
Jagdish’s success on the field is a testament to his rigorous training at Master Class Cricket Academy, CST, under the expert guidance of Coach Abhay Upadhyay. Known for producing top-quality cricketers, Masterclass Criket Academy continues to shape young talents like Jagdish, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in competitive cricket.
With this impressive win, MCCA Mumbai has once again showcased their dominance, while Patel Cricket Academy will look to bounce back stronger in their upcoming matches.