Honouring the Champions of the School/College Category
On 17th October, at the iconic MCA Lounge, Avisa in association with CricketGraph hosted the Mumbai Cricket Coaching Excellence Awards, celebrating the coaches who’ve shaped the city’s young cricketing talent.
Among the many categories, the School Category held special significance recognizing those who’ve worked tirelessly at the grassroots, building the foundation of Mumbai cricket through school and college tournaments.
Here are the champions and the dedicated coaches who led them to glory:
Bhaskar Trophy U-12 – Fort Youngsters, guided by Coach Santosh Pingulkar.
Giles Shield U-14 – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya, Vikhroli, coached by Jayesh Utekar.
Harris Shield U-16 – Anjuman-I-Islam Allana School, CST, under Coach Kadir Patel.
Late Mrs. Manoramabai Apte Trophy for Girls – Parag English School, Bhandup, led by Coach Manish Rao.
MCA Junior College Tournament – Ramniranjan Jhunjhunvala College, mentored by Coach Pradeep Kasliwal.
MCA Senior College Tournament – Khalsa College of Arts, Science and Commerce, guided by Coach Tushar Patil.
Each of these coaches represents the backbone of Mumbai’s cricket ecosystem — the educators, mentors, and motivators who prepare students to take their first big steps in competitive cricket.
In the ongoing Ajit Naik 29th Memorial U-14 Cricket Tournament, Victory Cricket Club registered a dominant win over Parsee Gymkhana, thanks to a stunning knock by Shreyash Khilare and a solid contribution from Vedang Mishra both talented youngsters from Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, training under the guidance of coach Satish Samant.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Victory Cricket Club posted a formidable total of 246 runs in 45 overs. The star of the innings was Shreyash Khilare, who played a sensational knock of 155 runs off 144 balls, peppered with 23 boundaries and a six. His ability to find gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking stood out throughout the innings. Supporting him at the other end, Vedang Mishra played a composed hand, scoring 50 runs off 58 balls, which helped stabilize the innings and set up a strong platform.
In reply, Parsee Gymkhana struggled to chase down the total and were bowled out for just 112 runs, handing Victory Cricket Club a comprehensive 134-run win.
Both Shreyash and Vedang’s performances reflect the strong grassroots training at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, where coach Satish Samant continues to shape promising young cricketers with the right technique and mindset. Their performances in this match not only underline their individual talent but also highlight the academy’s growing reputation for producing disciplined and match-ready players.
With knocks like these, Shreyash Khilare and Vedang Mishra have certainly made their mark early in the tournament and all eyes will be on them as the Ajit Naik Memorial U-14 Tournament progresses.
When Irfan Umair gets ready to pull up his run-up in Srinagar for his Ranji Trophy debut with Mumbai, he carries with him more than just a cricketing dream. He brings years of struggle, sacrifice, and relentless belief.
A long road from Ranchi
Irfan left Ranchi in 2017 with a small sum amount, aiming for more than just survival. He landed at Kurla station in Mumbai, sharing a tiny room in a slum with 12 other people. Hunger, instability, uncertainty these weren’t just words for him, they were daily reality. To get by, he took up odd jobs: waiting tables, rolling sushi, even sleeping on a train station when worse came to worse.
Battles off the pitch
Cricket was never easy for him. His parents, especially his mother, feared he was chasing dreams without footing. He had to promise to clear his Class X exams before dedicating time to cricket. Once in Mumbai, there was an unexpected rule: to play for Mumbai in domestic cricket, you need to be a resident for at least one year with valid proof. Irfan scrambled to arrange documents, paid agents, did double shifts in catering anything so he wouldn’t be pushed out by bureaucracy.
COVID made things worse. Money got tight, interest piled up, roommates left, eviction threats loomed. But even when he worked shifts, he looked for chances to keep cricket in his life by changing clubs (from Islam Gymkhana to CCI), attending trials, being a net bowler, playing tennis-ball cricket.
Turning moments
There were low points. His first day as a waiter brought him to tears. He asked himself what he was doing in Mumbai, why he endured the hardship. But also moments that kept him going: when people recognized his bowling, when he performed in club matches, when he got selected for trials.
Then came the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). Irfan, already known in tennis-ball circuits, got picked by Falcon Risers Hyderabad for a good sum (around ₹16-16.5 lakhs). That contract helped him move away from kitchen work, focus more on training, dedicate more time to sharpening his bowling.
The moment that matters: Ranji debut
Now, after eight years of struggle, Irfan Umair is stepping into the Ranji Trophy arena for Mumbai. He’s a left-arm fast bowler who brings variety and a long run-up, which the team hopes adds an X-factor. Mumbai’s captain, Shardul Thakur, has praised what Umair brings not just with the ball but in the hunger and attitude.
What this really means
This isn’t just another player debuting. Umair’s story is part of the fabric of cricket that often goes unnoticed: players who struggle to find meaning off the field as much as on it. His journey shows that talent alone won’t cut it; resilience does.
For Mumbai, picking him is a statement: talent from unlikely places can rise. For young cricketers watching him, he’s proof that the margins between “just getting by” and “making it” are often lived in quiet desperation and modest choices
In a 10-over encounter between The Cathedral and John Cannon School and Universal School, Cathedral’s captain Anay delivered a stunning performance that left everyone talking.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, The Cathedral and John Cannon School put up a massive total of 151 runs in just 10 overs, thanks to an extraordinary knock by Anay, who scored 108 runs off just 42 balls, smashing 21 boundaries along the way. His innings set the tone for a dominant display by his side.
Chasing 152, Universal School struggled right from the start, losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out for 28 runs, handing The Cathedral and John Cannon School a massive 123-run victory.
The team’s head coach Manik Mohan Madkaikar deserves credit for guiding and preparing the young side to perform with such confidence and consistency.
With this commanding all-round team effort, Cathedral showcased their dominance, while captain Anay rightfully earned the Man of the Match award for his explosive batting display.
In the ongoing Under-23 Shalini Bhalekar Trophy, the clash between Dilip Vengsarkar XI and Dr. Snehalata Deshmukh XI turned into a one-man show, thanks to a breathtaking knock by skipper Ayush Vartak
After winning the toss, Dilip Vengsarkar XI opted to bat first and the decision paid off in style. Leading from the front, Ayush Vartak smashed an unbeaten 164* runs off just 88 balls, lighting up the game with 12 fours and 16 sixes. His innings included a stunning display of power-hitting where he smashed five consecutive sixes in a single over, sending the crowd into a frenzy. His innings was a masterclass in clean hitting and controlled aggression, setting the tone for his team’s imposing total of 302 for 9 in the first innings.
What makes this performance even more special is Ayush’s recent form. He’s been consistently among the runs, having already scored four centuries in the Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy, underlining his growing reputation as one of the most promising young batters in the Mumbai circuit.
His knock in the Shalini Bhalekar Trophy once again showed why he’s a player to watch fearless, technically sound, and capable of turning games single-handedly.
Mohammad Amir Khan from Mumbai has built an impressive cricketing career over the years, representing top clubs, corporate teams, and prestigious tournaments across India and abroad. Known for his skills as a left-arm bowler, Amir has consistently been part of competitive setups, right from BCCI camps to Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy probables.
Early Years and Breakthrough
Amir’s early cricketing journey took shape when he played for Air India in the All India Mahindra Shield Tournament (2010-2011). His performances there opened doors to Mumbai cricket’s competitive structure, and soon he was a regular name in key domestic tournaments.
Representing Mumbai Cricket
- Ranji Trophy Probable Teams: 2012-2013 and again in 2015-2016.
- Mumbai Under-25 (C.K. Naidu Trophy, 2012-2013).
- Mumbai Under-22 (Shalini Bhalekar Trophy and Madhav Mantri Trophy, 2011-2012).
- Mumbai Under-25 for Shalini Bhalekar Trophy (2012-2013).
Alongside, Amir was also part of the BCCI Fast Bowler Camp (2012-2013) and the Mumbai Cricket Association Fast Bowler Camps (2015-2016, 2017-2018 with IDBI) a reflection of his recognition as a promising left-arm bowler in Mumbai cricket.
Club and Corporate Cricket
Mohammad Amir Khan has represented some of Mumbai’s most reputed clubs and corporate teams:
- Cricket Club of India (CCI) as a left-arm bowler.
- National Cricket Club.
- Payyade Sports Club.
- Regal Sports Club (2023-2024).
- Young Friends Cricket Club (2023-2024).
- Route Mobile Company.
Tournaments and Notable Performances
- D.Y. Patil T20 Tournament (2012-2013).
- D.Y. Patil Times Shield A Division (2011-2013).
- Bucchi Babu Tournament (2012-2013).
- Mumbai Police Invitation Tournament Salar Jung (2024).
- All India Tournament (Malaysia).
These tournaments gave Amir the chance to compete with and against top-level players, adding depth and experience to his cricketing profile.
A Career of Consistency
From 2010 to 2024, Mohammad Amir Khan has been a constant figure in competitive cricket. Whether it was donning the Mumbai colors in Under-22 and Under-25 formats, representing corporate giants like Air India and Route Mobile, or playing for elite clubs such as CCI and Payyade, Amir’s journey speaks of dedication, consistency, and passion for the game.
Conclusion
Mohammad Amir Khan’s cricketing journey reflects the path of a determined Mumbai cricketer who made his mark across multiple formats, tournaments, and teams. With rich experience in domestic and corporate cricket, he stands as a proven left-arm bowler who has contributed to Mumbai cricket’s ecosystem for over a decade.
The first-ever Interstate Invitational Tournament hosted by Future Blues Cricket Academy in Jodhpur the Interstate Tricolour Series saw some promising young talent rise to the occasion. Among them, U-16 keeper-opener Yash Dusi from Mumbai stood out as the star batter of the tournament.
Representing Comrades Cricket Academy, Yash showed remarkable consistency across all four matches. His ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking made him one of the most dependable batters of the series.
In the opening match, Yash set the tone with a fluent 68 runs against Future Blues A.
He followed it up with a steady 50-run knock against Bhopal Cricket Academy in the second game.
The third match once again saw his class on display as he struck 55 runs against Future Blues A, showing he could handle pressure and adapt to different bowling attacks.
Yash saved his best for the last, playing a breathtaking innings of 125* runs against FBCA Rajasthan, stamping his authority as one of the brightest prospects in youth cricket.
What this really means is that Yash didn’t just score runs, he delivered when it mattered most, lifting his side’s confidence throughout the tournament. For a U-16 player balancing the dual responsibility of opening the batting and keeping wickets, his performances spoke volumes about his temperament, discipline, and hunger to succeed.
The Interstate Tricolour Series gave young cricketers from across India a platform to test their skills, and Yash Dusi made sure his name stood tall among them. If his recent form is anything to go by, Mumbai cricket may have found another future prospect to watch closely.
Cricket Life Academy, Mumbai, is fast becoming a hub for nurturing future cricket stars, and the recent achievements of its players prove just that. Trained under the guidance of head coach Yogesh Renjala, three academy boys have earned major milestones in their young careers.
Kaydin Prabhu has been selected for the MCA Under-19 Summer Camp 2025. Adding to his achievements, he also secured a scholarship with the BENET corporate team to play in the prestigious Times Shield, a platform known for producing quality cricketers.
Another promising youngster, Neel Koli, has also been picked for the MCA Under-19 Summer Camp 2025. Neel is already making waves beyond his age group, becoming the youngest player from Cricket Life Academy to enter the MPL Auction. He is currently testing his skills in the Raigad Premier League, sharing the field with established Ranji Trophy players—an invaluable experience at this stage of his journey.
In the junior age group, Ansh Sonawne is carrying forward the academy’s reputation with his performances. He has been selected for the MCA Under-14 Summer Camp 2025 and earned recognition through the MCA Dream11 Trophy, where he made his mark with consistent showings. At present, Ansh continues to sharpen his skills as part of the MCA off-season practice program.
Coach Yogesh Renjala has been instrumental in shaping these cricketers, with his academy providing the right environment and mentorship to help young players transition from grassroots to competitive stages. With Kaydin, Neel, and Ansh leading the way, Cricket Life Academy is steadily building a name in Mumbai’s cricketing circles.
Prabhtej Singh Bhatia has been elected as the new Joint Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a move that highlights the growing influence of younger administrators in Indian cricket.
Cricket, though, was never far from the family. His father, Baldev Singh Bhatia, served as president of the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), playing a big role in securing the state’s full membership in the BCCI back in 2016. Prabhtej himself served on the BCCI Apex Council from 2019 to 2022, gaining first-hand experience in national cricket administration.
With his election as Joint Secretary, Bhatia now holds one of the most crucial positions in Indian cricket. The role requires coordination between state associations, oversight of domestic structures, and support in executing BCCI’s wide calendar of tournaments and international fixtures. His background in finance and operations through his business career, combined with his administrative exposure, makes him well-positioned to contribute meaningfully.
At just 30s, he represents a younger generation of leadership within the BCCI. His rise also symbolizes how newer cricketing states like Chhattisgarh, which only recently gained prominence in Indian cricket, are now producing national-level decision-makers.
Speaking after the elections, Bhatia expressed gratitude towards the members for their trust and reiterated his focus on building a stronger grassroots structure while also ensuring India continues to set benchmarks in global cricket.
When you talk about cricket coaching in Mumbai, one name that has quietly but firmly left a mark over the last four decades is Gyan Singh. Born and raised in the city, Singh has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to nurturing cricketers at every level from school tournaments to professional clubs, academies, and even the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
Singh’s coaching journey began unusually early. At just 19, he took up his first assignment with GSB Cricket Club, a sign of how naturally he gravitated toward teaching the game. Over the years, he became a familiar figure at school cricket, guiding Rizvi Springfield School in the Harris and Giles Shield tournaments, and later mentoring players at Rizvi College alongside Sanjay Gaitonde for seven years.
His partnership with Gaitonde extended to Shiv Seva for a year before Singh moved into long-term stints that built his reputation as one of the city’s most consistent coaches. He spent 15 years at Goregaon Sports Club and Payyade Sports Club, and 10 years with Lilavati Hospital’s cricket setup. For the last 17 years, he has been serving the Mumbai Cricket Association as a coach, coordinator, and observer a role that shows the trust and respect he commands within the cricketing community.
Singh’s influence wasn’t limited to Mumbai. He worked for nine years at the MCC under coach Jwala Singh, a name closely linked with the rise of modern talents. He also spent five years with Paramount Cricket Club and even contributed as a member of the international cricket organising sub-committee for two years. Adding to his global footprint, Singh himself played overseas in Bahrain between 1988 and 1991, gaining valuable international exposure.
What stands out about Gyan Singh’s career is not just the length of service but the consistency with which he has adapted to different roles whether as a school coach shaping raw kids, a club coach building teams, or an MCA observer ensuring the system runs smoothly. His story is proof that behind every generation of Mumbai cricketers, there are selfless coaches like him who keep the city’s cricket heartbeat strong.