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Victory Cricket Club’s Mahek Pokar smashed the first century of the fifth edition of Late Arjun Madhvi Women’s Trophy as she plundered 112 runs off 101 balls against Sports Field Cricket Club on Friday in Thane to help her team register a humongous win of 202 runs.

Pokar’s power-packed innings that was laced with 20 fours steered Victory Cricket Club to a formidable score of 293/4 in 40 overs. Alongside this right-handed opening batter, her partner, Alina Mulla (61) stitched 184-run partnership to set the tone of the match. While the opening pair of Victory Cricket Club went hammer and tongs, the bowlers of Sports Field Cricket Club had no answers to stop the run flow. The only silver lining in the dark bowling cloud of Sports Field Cricket Club was Aakruti Bhoir, who, albeit bleeding 59 runs in her eight over spell, scalped two wickets.

Chasing a mammoth 294 for a win, Sports Field Cricket Club’s batting collapsed like a pack of cards. They were bowled out for a paltry 91 in 30.1 overs. Apart from Priyanka Rathod (31) and Palak Dharamshi (29) none of the batters looked in shape. For Victory Cricket Club, Aleena Khan stood out with the ball as she snapped three wickets conceding just 27 runs in her eight overs, including one maiden.

Having suffered a crushing defeat, Sports Field Cricket Club have made their way out of the tournament. Victory Cricket Club, on the other hand, have advanced to the next stage.

Brief Scores: Victory Cricket Club 293/4 in 40 overs (M Pokar 112; A Bhoir 2/59) beat Sports Field Cricket Club 91 all out in 30.1 overs (P Rathod 31; A Khan 3/27) by 202 runs

This Article is written by Juili Balal

Regal Cricket Club defeated Sporting Union Club by six wickets on Tuesday in the second match of the fifth edition of the Late Arjun Madhvi Women’s Trophy.

Chasing a modest total of 154 for a win, Regal Cricket Club overhauled the target in just 26.4 overs at the loss of four wickets. Chetana Bisht (36) led the run chase from the front and found able allies in Jetsun Chi (35 not out), Akanksha Mishra (32) Harshal Jadhav (27). While Manasi Chavan (2/30) stood out with the ball for her team picking up two wickets, that wasn’t enough to stop the free-flowing batters of Regal Cricket Club.

Early in the day, winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sporting Union Club scored 153/9 in 39 overs. Chavan top scored with 24. Deepali Shelar (14 not out) was only the other major contributor with the bat. Sporting Union Club found it difficult to score against the bowlers of Regal Cricket Club as they bowled probing lines and lengths to pick wickets at regular intervals. Bisht, Vaishnavi Iyengar, Komal Jadhav, Gauri Kadam, and Priyadarshani Singh scalped one wicket apiece.

With this loss, it is curtains for Sporting Union Club in this tournament. On the other hand, Regal Cricket Club have qualified for the next level.

Brief Scores: Sporting Union Club 153/9 in 39 overs (M Chavan 24; C Bisht 1/9) lost to Regal Cricket Club 154/4 in 26.4 overs (C Bisht 36; M Chavan 2/30) by 6 wickets

This article is written by Juili Ballal.

Cricketgraph’s interview with “Mr.Fitness” aka Amogh Pandit was quite informative.

Amogh is hailed as one of the top Strength & Conditioning Coaches in India. He is serving as Strength and Conditioning Coach with Mumbai Ranji Team for the last 17 years.

Amogh has also served as Strength and conditioning coach for Rajasthan Royals (Indian premier league). He has also been a conditioning specialist with India A team. Amogh is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with top level certifications like CSCS the NSCA, USA.

When you talk about cricket in Mumbai, there are two types of batsman. The first breed is the group of current senior players of Mumbai who have growned up watching as well as playing Red Ball Cricket. The ones who are known for their traditional cricketing shots, classy batting and old school technique. The 2nd breed is thriving of energetic youngsters who will soon be the future of Mumbai as well as Indian Cricket.

The 2nd breed of youngsters are completely different personalities with them putting more emphasis on white ball cricket and its not their fault either as T20’s are played more than Tests and ODI’s in today’s era. They prefer to play faster, they have the whackiest of shots and for them playing fast is not just a necessity but it’s their natural game.

And when we talk about Jay Bista, he is the fortunate hybrid Cricketer with the best of both the worlds. Born on 23rd December 1995 , at the age of 23, Jay is right there at the middle of two generations where he gets to see two different worlds of cricket. With experienced team mates like Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, Aditya Tare, Shreyas Iyer & Dhawal Kulkarni, Jay gets to witness proper classical red ball cricket whenever he gets a chance to represent the Mumbai team in the longer format of the game. Jay gets to see the sanctity of test cricket, the nitty-gritties of patience, solid technique, classical shots from the 1st breed of his senior mates while he has his own game of wizardy with the bat & athletic fielding abilities making him a perfect recipe for a modern day t20 player.

With the advent of T20 Cricket rising, new shots being innovated every day and playing fast & furious being the latest trend, Jay is well versed with that world of cricket too with aggressive brand of batting being his natural game.

In a candid interview with Cricketgraph, we throwed upon a lot of questions at him which he gracefully answered:

When we asked him how it all started, Jay said “From the age of 2, i was in to this game as my mom had told me from that age itself I was crazy for the game. I started practicing from the age of 8 but when I was 12, that’s when I started thinking about it professionally”

Born & brought up in Mumbai, the 23yr old studied at Bhadra New High School and later went to the famed Shardashram Vidyamandir School which has given Mumbai some of the finest first class & national level cricketers. Jay finished his further studies from Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College while he is getting trained under coaching of Vinod Raghavan Sir.

Jay has represented Mumbai team at U14, U16, U19, U23 as well as the senior team while he plays club cricket representing Victory CC in Mumbai. When we asked him to share some of his most memorable performances, Jay shared with us- “Getting 136 something last year in my comeback game against Saurashtra, a double hundred in the finals of U23 One Day Tournament, a 4th innings ton of 126 runs while chasing vs Baroda and my recent hundred in T20 mumbai (where he scored 110 off mere 60 balls for Sobo Supersonics) are some of my memorable performances so far.

 

Known for his eccentric and innovative shots including his famous version of “Bista Scoop”, Jay feels thankful to his parents and Coach Vinod Raghavan Sir for whatever he has achieved so far. When we asked him his long term goals, Jay smartly answered” –“I believe in living in the present, I don’t have a long term plan, I just want to win games for whichever teams I play for and keep performing consistently”

Team Cricketgraph wishes him all the luck for a great career ahead as he keeps entertaining one and all with his risqué shots and stylish batting.

Wellington Cricket Club put on a commanding performance in the Cosmopolitan Shield 2025-26 clash against Shree Shivaji Park Club, registering a massive 193-run victory thanks to standout performances from three Sanjeevani Cricket Academy talents.

After being sent in to bat, Wellington CC piled up 329 runs in 45 overs. Opening batter Atharva Dhond led the charge with a brilliant 125 off just 100 balls, mixing clean strokes with smart placement. He was well supported by Harsh Kadam, who continued his fine form with a composed 81 off 86 deliveries, ensuring Wellington built a solid total despite early pressure.

Atharva Dhond And Harsh Kadam
Atharva Dhond And Harsh Kadam

Defending 329, Wellington’s bowlers turned the game into a one-sided affair. Kabir Nansi was the pick of the attack, delivering a spell of pure precision 6 overs, 4 wickets for just 11 runs. His control and discipline left the opposition struggling for answers. Adding to the pressure, Fardeen Shaikh chipped in with 3 wickets for 37 runs, wrapping up the innings at just 136.

What made the victory even more special was that Atharva, Harsh, and Kabir all train at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, Bandra, under the guidance of Coach Satish Samant. Their performances reflected the strong foundation and discipline that the academy has been nurturing over the years.

A proud moment for both Wellington CC and Sanjeevani Cricket Academy as their young guns once again proved that good coaching and consistent hard work always show on the field.

The Ponytail

A dejected figure in a blue jersey stood before an open goal, staring in disbelief. The penalty shot he had visualized and manifested countless times had just sailed over the bar. That miss would come to define Roberto Baggio’s career  the man with the most famous ponytail in football, forever remembered not for his genius, but for that moment in the 1994 World Cup final.

What many forgot was that Baggio had carried Italy to that very final through sheer brilliance, grit, and pain. Playing with a broken knee, he inspired a divided team and a coach with his own agenda to defy the odds and face the mighty Brazilians led by Romário.

When the match ended in a draw after extra time, fate seemed to have aligned perfectly. Surely, destiny would reward the man who had willed Italy this far. And yet, he missed. Not by inches, but by metres.

That one kick turned the hero into a symbol of heartbreak. The lone ranger who had borne the team on his shoulders became the face of defeat. The world forgot the agony he endured, the courage it took to even step onto the pitch.

There was no redemption. Baggio would never again play in a World Cup final. And to this day, when a player steps up for a decisive penalty, commentators still ask  “Will this be their Baggio moment?”

The Team

Thousands of miles away and decades later, I witnessed a different kind of sporting theatre unfold — not under the lights of Pasadena, but on the cricket grounds of Mumbai.

Bayside Sports runs an inter-school tournament where fathers of schoolchildren face off against their counterparts from other schools. It’s a wonderful idea — a chance for 35+ fathers to relive their sporting passion, to compete, to bond, and to chase that elusive trophy at the end of the rainbow.

But here’s the twist.

Having played with one of the tournament’s most successful teams, I learned something crucial: passion takes you only so far.

We had everything — sponsors, coaches, rigorous practice sessions, quality equipment, and a meticulous selection process. And yet, cracks began to appear. Why? Because most of us — men in our late thirties and forties, successful in business or corporate life — were not used to hearing one word: “No.”

In our professional worlds, we led teams. We called the shots. We weren’t often questioned. But in a team sport, that changes. Suddenly, you have a defined role. You’re accountable. You’re replaceable. And if you don’t perform, you sit on the bench.

As one of our coaches wisely said:

“The true strength of a team is defined not by its starting eleven, but by player number 12, 13, 14, and 15  the ones on the bench.”

Those players can either uplift the team with their commitment and energy — or destroy it through gossip, resentment, and ego. Unfortunately, the latter often prevails. And believe me, no one gossips better than a self-interested 35-year-old man with free time and an audience.

The successful team I was part of eventually fractured not because of lack of talent or resources, but because of ego and politics. What was once a championship-winning side splintered into four mediocre teams, all to satisfy individual ambitions.

The Lesson

Sport mirrors life. Individual brilliance can carry a team but only to a point.

The world salutes the rising sun, yet a beautiful failure can inspire generations. Think of Roger Federer’s epic loss to Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2008, often described as the most heart-breaking defeat in tennis history. Or consider what Schumacher did to Ferrari, or what Tendulkar, Ganguly, and Kohli did for Indian cricket. Great individuals lift teams, reshape cultures, and build legacies.

But the reverse is also true. A few self-interested individuals can quietly dismantle everything. They win the attention of decision-makers, whisper doubts, and twist narratives. Ironically, these are often the average performers — the ones who do just enough to stay relevant, yet spend their energy lobbying rather than performing.

And when decision-makers listen to them, the damage begins. Teams fracture. Trust erodes. Legacies collapse — not always in a blaze of drama, but in slow, quiet corrosion.

It takes years of patience and vision to build a great team. It takes just one ego to tear it apart.

Yet, even in failure  whether it’s Baggio’s miss or a team’s implosion there lies a lesson worth cherishing:

True greatness isn’t in never falling, but in understanding why we did and having the courage to build again.

 

Author – Vivek Manchanda

Mumbai’s young pace talent Abir Singh Chadha is making steady strides in his U-19 journey. Representing MCA Under-19 Team B in the KC Mahindra Shield Selection Tournament, Abir has shown his ability to deliver with discipline and consistency against some strong opposition.

In the opening match against Yajuvindra Singh XI, Abir bowled a tight spell 7 overs, 22 runs, and 1 wicket in the first innings, followed by 2 overs for 9 runs in the second. While he remained 0 not out in the first innings and was dismissed for 0 in the second, his focus with the ball stood out.

In the second game against Sanjay Manjrekar XI, the right-arm quick continued his good form, returning figures of 4 overs, 14 runs, and 2 wickets in the first innings. He bowled just 1 over for 7 runs in the second innings and didn’t get a chance to bat, but his impact with the ball was evident.

What makes this performance even more special is that Abir has been selected by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy probable, the premier Under-19 one-day state tournament played across India under the BCCI. His inclusion reflects the growing trust in his skills and potential at the state level.

Abir is currently participating in the selection matches to secure his spot in the final Mumbai U-19 squad for both the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Cooch Behar Trophy, the marquee U-19 red-ball tournament.

According to the official BCCI website, Abir’s name features in the Mumbai U-19 probables list, confirming his recognition among the city’s most promising young cricketers.

With his sharp line-and-length bowling and composure under pressure, Abir Singh Chadha is one to watch as Mumbai shapes its next generation of fast bowlers.

Uttar Pradesh’s Ranji campaign got a strong push in Kanpur as skipper Karan Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Aaradhya Yadav stood tall against Odisha, turning an early stumble into total command.

Odisha, batting first, managed 243 runs steady but far from imposing. UP’s bowlers, led by tidy spells across the attack, kept things under control and set up the perfect platform for their batters.

The chase didn’t start smoothly. UP were 45 for 2, the top order rattled by Odisha’s disciplined bowling. But then came the stand that changed everything.

Karan Sharma walked in with his usual calm and began to rebuild. Aaradhya Yadav joined him soon after, and together they turned pressure into opportunity. The two shared a match-defining partnership of 200-plus runs class, patience, and timing all on display.

Karan brought up a captain’s century, finishing with 121, steering his team with authority and maturity. Aaradhya was equally impressive, reaching his maiden hundred (101*) before retiring hurt, but not before showing the kind of composure that defines good red-ball players.

Their partnership pushed UP’s total beyond 380, securing a first-innings lead that all but ruled out an Odisha comeback.

Rain, though, had other plans. Persistent showers and bad light on the final two days denied UP a chance to push for an outright win. The match eventually ended in a draw, but the performance of Sharma and Yadav stood out—two players leading from the front when it mattered most.

For Uttar Pradesh, this game was less about the result and more about intent. Their skipper showed why he’s trusted at the helm, and Aaradhya Yadav’s century added another promising name to UP’s growing list of dependable batters.

The partnership wasn’t just about runs it was about control, confidence, and the calm assertion that UP are a team to watch this season.

In a nail-biting contest between Sanjeevani Cricket Academy and DSCA, the Sanjeevani boys held their nerves to clinch a 5-run victory in a 40-over encounter.

After losing the toss, Sanjeevani Cricket Academy was put in to bat first. Their top order delivered in style, led by Shreyash Khilare, who continued his fine form with a magnificent 112 off 81 balls, hitting 13 fours and 3 sixes. His fluent stroke play and calm temperament set the tone for the innings as Sanjeevani posted a competitive 252/5 in 40 overs.

Chasing 253, DSCA fought hard but couldn’t get past the disciplined bowling attack of Sanjeevani. Aarav Zagde was the star with the ball, picking up 4 wickets in 8 overs and turning the game in his team’s favor during the crucial middle overs. Despite a late surge from DSCA’s lower order, Sanjeevani managed to restrict them and secure a thrilling win by just 5 runs.

Head Coach Satish Samant praised the team’s collective effort and the composure shown under pressure. With players like Shreyash and Aarav stepping up consistently, Sanjeevani Cricket Academy continues to establish itself as one of the most promising academies on the circuit.

In the ongoing U-16 Payyade Trophy , Sunil Gavaskar XI showcased complete dominance over Rohit Sharma XI, registering a massive 150-run victory thanks to a stunning knock from young batter Harsh Kadam.

Batting first, Sunil Gavaskar XI piled up 321 runs in 85 overs, with Harsh Kadam anchoring the innings with a spectacular 154 off 188 balls , laced with 20 boundaries. His innings stood out not just for its consistency but also for the maturity he showed at a young age, guiding his team to a strong first-innings total.

Rohit Sharma XI, in reply, struggled to find momentum and were bowled out for just 85 runs, giving Sunil Gavaskar XI a huge first-innings lead.

On the second day, Sunil Gavaskar XI continued their dominance, adding 160 runs in their second innings to post a total of 246 , setting a near-impossible target. Rohit Sharma XI once again faltered, eventually losing the match by 150 runs.

The clear star of the match was Harsh Kadam, whose batting brilliance turned the game in his team’s favor. Harsh trains at the Sanjeevani Cricket Academy in Bandra, under the expert guidance of Coach Satish Samant , who has been instrumental in shaping his technique and temperament.

This innings not only marks a standout performance in the U-16 Payyade Trophy but also highlights Harsh Kadam as one of Mumbai’s most promising young batters to watch in the coming seasons.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, ACC who have conducted 3 open season tournaments at Oval Maidan over the last few years have collaborated with JFSC – a leading sports management company founded in 2013 with a stellar track record in organizing professionally managed amateur cricket tournaments. With a commitment to providing top-tier facilities, excellent player experience, and comprehensive tournament management, the company has successfully organized cricket events for professionals from various sectors, including banking, real estate, IT, Architects and more.

JFSC is excited to announce the launch of the MAPL. This exclusive cricket tournament, designed specifically for advocates in Mumbai city and suburbs, aims to offer a platform for fitness, camaraderie, and networking through a competitive and engaging sporting event.

Tournament Timeline

A League for the Legal Profession

The MAPL is an innovative concept aimed at the legal community, bringing together advocates from across Mumbai practising in law firms, independent practises and in-house legal departments of corporate firms — for a thrilling cricketing competition. Aimed at reducing the stress of the profession, promoting fitness, and fostering networking opportunities, this league is set to be an annual fixture for the city’s legal professionals.

Auction
Auction

Tournament Features & Format

Exclusive Features of the Tournament

Accolades & Prizes

In recognition of the exceptional performances throughout the tournament, the MAPL will honor outstanding players with the following awards:

A Festival Atmosphere

Advocate Preimer league
Advocate Preimer league

The MAPL is not just a cricket tournament; it is a festival of camaraderie, fitness, and networking. All matches will be open to families, friends, and colleagues of the players, creating a vibrant, community atmosphere at every ground. Additionally, sponsors will have exclusive access to the Sponsors’ Lounge, an air-conditioned space at each venue for relaxation and interaction with advocates.

The Advantage for Sponsors

This tournament offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to connect with a highly influential and engaged audience — advocates from top law firms, corporate legal teams, and independent practising legal professionals across Mumbai. Over the course of the three weekends of the tournament, sponsors will have the chance to engage with this audience in a meaningful way.

Sponsor Opportunities Include:

Cricket fans in Nagpur witnessed history at the Ajni Railway Ground as Devgiri Emperors captain Armaan Shaikh delivered a once-in-a-lifetime spell in the NAPL League 2025 picking up 8 wickets in a single T20 match.

Yes, you read that right. Eight wickets in four overs a world record in official T20 cricket. No bowler before this has ever achieved such a feat in an officially recognized T20 game. Armaan didn’t just lead his team; he rewrote the record books.

After being asked to bat first, Devgiri Emperors set the tone with a powerful 183/8 in 20 overs. Middle-order powerhouse Amit Ganpule was the standout with a blazing 61 off 22 balls, hammering 6 sixes and 4 boundaries. Towards the end, Sanket Ranade added the perfect finishing touch, smashing an unbeaten 34 off 12 balls to push the total beyond reach.

Then came the moment that stunned everyone. Armaan Shaikh, leading from the front, bowled with fierce rhythm and unshakable control. Every over he delivered turned into a highlight reel batsmen had no answers. His spell completely dismantled the opposition and left the crowd in disbelief.

In a format known for high scores and bat-dominance, Armaan’s spell was a rare reminder of how devastating top-quality bowling can be. His figures  8 wickets in 4 overs  now stand as a new benchmark in T20 cricket history.

Beyond the numbers, what made this performance special was the leadership behind it. Armaan didn’t just chase wickets, he set traps, trusted his instincts, and showed a masterclass in game awareness. For his teammates, it was more than a win  it was a statement.

With over 280 matches, 6,000 runs, and 100+ wickets already to his name, Armaan Shaikh’s cricketing journey has been steadily rising. But this record-breaking performance has taken him to a whole new level from being a consistent performer to entering cricket folklore.

The NAPL League 2025 will be remembered for many moments, but none bigger than this one the day Armaan Shaikh made cricket history.

Celebrating the Champions of the Corporate Category

On 17th October, at the MCA Lounge, Avisa in association with CricketGraph hosted the Mumbai Cricket Coaching Excellence Awards, honouring coaches who’ve made remarkable contributions to Mumbai’s cricket ecosystem.

While school and college coaches form the foundation, the Corporate Category represents another vital pillar  the professionals who balance workplace commitments while nurturing competitive cricket within corporate teams. These coaches ensure that passion for the game thrives beyond the professional sphere, keeping Mumbai’s cricket culture alive and competitive.

Here are the champions and the brilliant minds behind their success:

Times Shield

Mumbai Customs Sports Club – Coach Ravi Shankar Singh

Indian Navy Cricket – Coach Rajesh Tiwari

Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. (B) – Coach Samad Fallah

Merck Sports Club – Coach Datta Mithbhavkar

WNS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. – Coach Kiran Desai

Cipla Ltd. – Coach Govind Khambal

Krystal Group – Coach Soham Dalvi

MCA Corporate Trophy

Jain Irrigation Ltd. (A) – Coach Samad Fallah

CGST & C.Ex – Coach Akif Hussain Raja

Chowgule Sports Club – Coach Sangam Lad

Thane Municipal Corporation – Coach Sangram Shirke

Malvan Katta – Coach Ajaey Singham

Western Railway Traffic Sports Club – Coach Vineet Mehta

MCA Corporation Shield 2024–25

A Division – DTDC Sports Club – Coach Kishor Waghela

B Division – Datamatics Global Services Ltd. – Coach Malang Aras

RCF T20 Cricket Tournament

Mafatlal Sports Club – Coach Prashant Jangam

Thane Vaibhav Cricket Tournament (T20)

Mumbai Police A – Coach Tanmay Mayekar

Satellite Development – Coach Sunil Gawad

Malvan Katta – Coach Ajaey Singham

Each of these coaches represents the competitive heartbeat of Mumbai’s corporate cricket scene  guiding teams filled with working professionals who continue to play the sport with seriousness and pride.

Their contribution goes beyond strategy and match results. They bring structure, professionalism, and purpose to corporate cricket keeping the city’s vibrant cricketing culture alive across industries and offices.

The Avisa Mumbai Cricket Coaching Excellence Awards recognized these coaches for doing exactly that balancing passion and professionalism while continuing to shape Mumbai’s cricket story, one match at a time.

In the MCA’s 29th Ajit Naik Memorial U-14 Tournament, Victory CC cruised to a dominant win over Bengal Club, thanks to a fine knock from young opener Shreyash Khilare.

Bengal Club, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 86 runs in 35 overs. The disciplined bowling attack from Victory CC kept things tight throughout, not allowing any Bengal batter to settle in.

Chasing a modest total, Victory CC made it look effortless. Shreyash Khilare, continuing his impressive form, anchored the chase with a fluent 52 off 54 balls, laced with 4 boundaries. His calm temperament and ability to rotate the strike stood out as Victory CC reached the target comfortably within 15 overs, without losing a wicket.

Shreyash, who trains at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy in Bandra under the guidance of Coach Satish Samant, has been making steady progress in the local circuit. His innings reflected the solid technique and temperament he’s developed under Coach Samant’s mentorship a combination of patience, timing, and smart shot selection.

This performance once again underlines the promising talent emerging from Sanjeevani Cricket Academy and the consistent impact of Coach Satish Samant in shaping young cricketers at the grassroots level.

AUCTIONS