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!
Anjuman-I-Islam, a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in education and sports, is making a remarkable resurgence in school cricket under the visionary leadership of its President, Padma Shri Dr. Zahir Kazi. Over the past two years, Dr. Kazi has implemented strategic reforms aimed at reviving the school’s cricketing legacy. These changes include bringing in seasoned professionals and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence.
As part of this transformation, former Indian Test cricketer Gulam Parkar has been appointed as the Head Coach. Joining him are Abid Khan, a former Anjuman cricketer, and Vaheed Shaikh, an ex-serviceman, along with Principal Rizwana Satare Ma’am, who oversees the initiative. This dynamic team, with their combined expertise and commitment, has created a strong foundation for the future of Anjuman’s cricket program. Their dedicated efforts, in collaboration with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), have already started yielding results, with Anjuman-I-Islam achieving new milestones in the Giles Shield 2024-25 tournament.
Mumbai, India – Young cricket talent Anuj Ajit Singh delivered a performance to remember in the 4th round of the Giles Shield Tournament, one of Mumbai’s most prestigious school cricket events. Representing Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School, Fort, Anuj showcased his incredible bowling skills, taking 8 wickets for just 8 runs in 7.3 overs, including 4 maiden overs. The match was held at Navroz Azad Maidan, and Anuj’s efforts played a key role in his team’s dominant win.
A Match-Winning Performance
The match was against MKVV International Vidyalaya, who won the toss and chose to bowl first. Their decision backfired as their batting lineup crumbled under the relentless bowling of Anuj Ajit Singh. MKVV International Vidyalaya was bowled out for just 35 runs in 14.3 overs, thanks to Anuj’s magical spell.
Chasing a small target, Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School comfortably secured victory by 9 wickets, making it a one-sided contest.
Anuj’s Gratitude to His Coach
Anuj, an Under-14 probables player for the Mumbai Cricket Association, credited his success to his coach, Kadir Patel, from Patel Cricket Club. He expressed his appreciation for the guidance and hard work of his mentor:
“It feels amazing to perform well in such an important tournament. I thank my coach, Kadir Patel Sir, for his support and training, which have helped me improve as a bowler. This performance motivates me to keep working hard and aim for bigger goals in cricket.”
Coach Kadir Patel has been instrumental in shaping Anuj’s talent, focusing on developing his bowling technique and confidence. Patel Cricket Club has a history of producing skilled cricketers, and Anuj’s performance is a testament to this legacy.
A Future Cricket Star
The Giles Shield Tournament has always been a platform for discovering young talent, and Anuj’s achievement stands out as one of the best performances of the season. His disciplined approach and passion for cricket have made him a promising prospect for Mumbai cricket.
With continued hard work and guidance, Anuj Ajit Singh is on track to becoming a name to watch in Indian cricket. His extraordinary spell has not only brought glory to his school but has also inspired young players across Mumbai to pursue their dreams in cricket.
Match Summary:
- Venue: Navroz Azad Maidan
- Teams: Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School vs. MKVV International Vidyalaya
- Result: Anjuman-I-Islam won by 9 wickets
- Highlights:
- Man of the Match: Anuj Ajit Singh
- Anuj’s Bowling: 8 wickets for 8 runs (7.3 overs, 4 maidens)
- MKVV International Vidyalaya: 35 all out (14.3 overs)
Mumbai: In an inspiring gesture of generosity and passion for the game, the founder of the rising brand SASA Eyewear has gone above and beyond to support grassroots cricket. Over the past six months, the founder and the team have distributed cricket goods worth ₹2 lakhs to underprivileged players and cricket academies across Mumbai and Pune.
The initiative, driven by the ethos of “giving back to cricket selflessly,” has made a significant impact on the lives of many budding cricketers. The distributed equipment included over 80 pairs of batting pads, 30 pairs of gloves, more than 300 pairs of cricket whites, 30-35 helmets, 10 pairs of shoes, along with inners, skins, and other essentials.
Among the academies that received this vital support were DY Cricket Academy, Achievers Cricket Academy, Elevate Cricket Academy, Nirvana Cricket Academy, Divine Cricket Academy and few academies in Pune. This wide outreach has ensured that the gear reaches players who need it the most, enabling them to focus on their training and performance.
Speaking about the initiative, the founder said, “Cricket has given us so much, and this is our way of contributing to the sport we love. It’s heartening to see the joy and hope on the faces of young cricketers as they receive equipment that can help them pursue their dreams.”
The initiative has also been applauded by several cricket academies and coaches, who highlighted the crucial role such support plays in nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
SASA Eyewear, though primarily recognized for its premium eyewear, is steadily carving a niche in the cricketing community through initiatives like these. The brand’s commitment to excellence and a community-first approach have made it a trusted name not just in eyewear but also in sports philanthropy.
This act of kindness underscores the founder’s vision of empowering the next generation of cricketers. With plans to continue supporting cricket and its players, SASA is becoming a brand synonymous with not just quality but also compassion.
For more details about the brand and its offerings, visit sasaeyewear.com.
Mumbai: In a thrilling encounter at the High Court Oval maidan, Our Own Club emerged victorious against Mulund Challengers Cricket Club in the Cosmopolitan Shield Cricket Tournament 2024-25. The match saw a brilliant bowling performance by left-arm orthodox spinner Shreenesh Shah, who played a key role in the win.
After winning the toss, Our Own Club chose to field first, a decision that paid off as Mulund Challengers were bowled out for just 142 runs in 37 overs. Shreenesh Shah delivered an outstanding spell, taking 5 wickets for 31 runs in his 9 overs, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. He was well-supported by right-arm off-spinner Prakash Aswani, who also bowled a superb spell of 9 overs, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs.
Chasing a modest target of 143, Our Own Club faced some challenges but managed to secure a hard-fought victory by 3 wickets in the end.
Shreenesh Shah’s exceptional performance with the ball was the highlight of the match, earning him well-deserved praise. His ability to control the game and deliver under pressure proved to be the turning point in the contest.
The win adds valuable momentum for Our Own Club as they continue their campaign in the Cosmopolitan Shield Tournament.
DPC Matunga – Sundar Cricket Club registered a massive victory over Dadar Parsee Colony (DPC) in the Cosmopolitan Cricket Shield, thanks to outstanding performances by Atif Khan and Naufil Rozani.
Sundar Cricket Club won the toss and chose to bat first. The team had a shaky start, losing their first wicket in the opening over and their second wicket in the third over. However, Atif Khan came in at one down and turned the game around with a stunning innings. He scored a brilliant 172 runs off 134 balls, hitting 14 fours and 8 sixes. Atif’s knock was the backbone of the innings, as Sundar Cricket Club posted a strong total of 304 for 5 in their 50 overs.
In the second innings, Naufil Rozani stole the show with the ball. He bowled an incredible spell, taking 5 wickets in 9 overs while giving away just 20 runs. His accurate and smart bowling completely dismantled DPC’s batting lineup.
Despite some efforts from the DPC batsmen, the team was bowled out for just 145 runs in 34.3 overs. Sundar Cricket Club won the match by a huge margin of 159 runs.
Atif Khan ’s incredible batting and Naufil Rozani’s brilliant bowling were the highlights of the game. Their performances played a key role in Sundar Cricket Club’s dominant win and set a high standard for the team in the tournament.
This win will surely boost Sundar Cricket Club confidence as they look forward to their upcoming matches. Fans are excited to see more amazing performances from these talented players.
In an impressive display of cricket, Mumbai Police Gymkhana out played Arun Kumar Sports Club in their Times Cricket Shield Division C clash at Youth Own. Winning the toss, Mumbai Police Gymkhana opted to bowl first, and their decision paid off brilliantly.
The star of the match was Captain Swapnil Kulaye, a talented right-arm off spinner, who delivered a sensational bowling performance. Kulaye bowled 9 overs, taking 5 wickets for just 29 runs, dismantling Arun Kumar Sports Club’s batting lineup. His sharp spin and accurate deliveries proved too much for the opposition.
Arun Kumar Sports Club struggled throughout their innings and managed to score only 78 runs before being bowled out. Kulaye received ample support from his fellow bowlers, who maintained consistent pressure on the batsmen.
Chasing a modest target of 79,, Mumbai Police Gymkhana displayed calm and confidence. Their batsmen approached the chase with precision, reaching the target in just 12.4 overs, securing a comprehensive victory.
The match was a one-sided affair, with, Mumbai Police Gymkhana showcasing dominance in both bowling and batting. Swapnil Kulaye’s stellar bowling was the highlight of the game, earning him accolades from teammates and spectators alike.
This convincing win adds to Mumbai Police Gymkhana’s momentum in the Times Cricket Shield Division C tournament, making them a team to watch in the upcoming matches.
In a thrilling finale at the Karnatak pitch, Cross Maidan, Mumbai, Chowgule Sports Club emerged victorious, defeating D Decor Sports Club by 32 runs to lift the coveted MCA Corporate Tournament 2024-25 title.
After winning the toss, Chowgule Sports Club opted to bat but suffered an early blow as star batter Jitesh Raut was dismissed on the third ball of the innings. However, opener Arman Shaikh took center stage, smashing a breathtaking 66 off just 32 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. His explosive 105-run partnership with Soham Mali (37 runs) in just 10 overs laid a solid foundation.
The momentum continued with the reliable Sagar Shah, who contributed a composed 31 off 20 balls, while all-rounder Shubham Mane provided the fireworks, hammering 31 off 14 balls with 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. Chowgule Sports Club posted a formidable total of 213/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing the daunting target, D Decor Sports Club displayed grit, with Yash Gupta scoring a valiant 50 and Gautam Akre adding 34 runs. However, the disciplined bowling attack of Chowgule Sports Club, led by Shubham Mane (2/14) and left-arm spinner Rohit Yadav (2/25), proved too strong, restricting D Decor Sports Club and securing a 32-run victory.
This landmark win adds to the illustrious career of Sangam Lad, coach of Chowgule Sports Club, who now boasts an incredible 49 titles in Mumbai cricket as a captain and coach.
Chowgule Sports Club’s dominant performance reaffirms their status as champions, showcasing exceptional teamwork and resilience in the MCA Corporate Tournament 2024-25!