T20 match to mark Independence Day
A TWENTY20 cricket match was held in London between the High Commission of India in the UK, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) UK in order to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – India’s 75th Independence Day,
The High Commission XI was led by the acting top envoy Sujit Ghosh and included officers and staff of the diplomatic mission.
The FICCI team included employees of its members such as Carclo Technical Plastics, ICICI Bank UK, the MTC Group, Red Ribbon Asset Management, SBI UK, and TCS, as well as members
of the Indian diaspora, a statement said. FICCI XI won the match by five runs.
“The friendly match between the two teams was part of the various activities being organised by the High Commission to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Such occasions also allow for interactions in an informal setting between the community and High Commission officials where issues are discussed, and queries related to consular and visa matters are responded to,” said Ghosh.
More than 100 members of the Indian community watched the game, held at the Indian Gymkhana in London on July 24.
The event also extended support to the Indian athletes participating in the onging Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Baroness Prashar CBE, the chairperson of FICCI UK Council, said: “I am delighted that we were able to organise this friendly cricket match between FICCI Council members and the Indian High Commission to mark India’s 75 years of independence. It was good to see families engaged in planning and cheering.
“It was equally fitting that this match took place just before the start of the Commonwealth Games. It was a reminder that ‘Friendly Sports’ are not just about winning or losing but more
about how we play. They are fun and provide opportunities for informal interaction and help to build a better understanding.”
Ghosh was the Man of the Match for scoring 43 not out. Pradeep Rawat of the HCI XI was the bowler of the match with five wickets for 22 and Aditya Rathod of FICCI XI was the batsman of the match, the statement added.
Manish Singh IAS, managing
director, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation; Sharad Chandak, CEO and regional head, SBI; Arvid Pedersen, vice-chair, Red Ribbon Asset Management; Ramkumar Chandrasekaran, HR director – UK & Ireland, TCS; and Parag Anand, director, Daksh Global were among those present at the game, which organisers now plan to make an annual event.