Growing strong since 50 years with MSSA, Harris Shield and Giles Shield – Mr. Bhor
It is that time of the year! As we say adios to rain, a fresh smell of leather balls, newly purchased bats and green
top wickets are all set to welcome a brand new season of cricket in Mumbai. The kids are looking to excel to higher levels by performing in two of the most prestigious tournaments in school cricket- The Giles Shield and The Harris Shield. This might be the first Giles shield for someone or there might be few who will be playing in both of them and some will be looking to give a final punch as they will be playing for the last time in these tournaments. Behind the success of these tournaments lies a hard work; hard work of a man who has been involved with MSSA cricket operations for as many as 48 years!
Mr.Bhor who is a secretary of MSSA says that every season is different and there is always an alacrity when it comes to cricket. The Harris Shield & Giles Shield will be starting from 7th November. “Till last year the teams were classified in plate and elite group but this season we have change the format. This time all teams will play a limited overs matches till quarter finals. Then the quarter final winners will be promoted to elite group and losers will play semis and final. Thus now there are 16 teams in 4 different groups so ultimately we will have 4 teams in elite group who will be playing for shield on League basis. This will be the general structure of tournament, “explained Mr.Bhor.
Just like the tournaments, the grounds where these tournaments are organized also have a special importance. Most of the matches are played at the mecca of Mumbai cricket which is Azad maidan. Along with that matches will take place at Oval maidan, Cross maidan, Shivaji park, Matunga’s Major Dadkar ground etc. The final will be played at CCI,Brabourne.
“There have been many changes which have taken place in these tournaments.
The MSSA is well equipped with technology when it comes to maintaining records. All the data is available with them in terms of runs scored & wickets taken. “We have created a separate instance for every player who plays in elite group. We have classified the player as per batsman, bowler and all rounder. At the end of the tournament we give prizes to top performers. It encourages them to perform good again and again. We have got Mr. Deepak Talim who looks after all these records’” said Mr.Bhor.
There have been few problems which are faced by players over the years now. MSSA is looking after all these issues and trying to sort them out. “The main issue while playing in these grounds is the supply of pure water. At Azad and Cross ground we have installed a drinking water facility and at Oval we provide them water during drinks break. Also there is a chance of a player suffering from injury in match due to poor outfield or getting hit by the ball from another match. Attempts are being made to provide a doctor for all games. MCA also send one doctor at each ground,” said Mr.Bhor
He has been there for almost 50 years now. He has seen few generations of players passing through these tournaments and then going on to represent the nation. “These tournaments have a long tradition players like Vengsarkar, Sanjay Majrekar, Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli and many others showed the glimpses of their talent in these tournaments. I am really enjoying my work and our aim is to provide more and more facilities to players so that we can produce quality cricketers for our country,” said Mr. Bhor