To celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav-India’s 75th Independence Day, a T20 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 – UK.
The High Commission XI was led by the acting High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh and included officers and staff of the High Commission. The FICCI team its members like Carclo Technical Plastics, ICICI Bank UK PLC, MTC Group, Red Ribbon Asset Management, SBI UK, TCS, as well as members of the Indian diaspora, a statement said.
FICCI XI won the match by five runs. More than 100 members of the Indian community have come to watch the game which was held at the Indian Gymkhana, London on July 24.
The event also extended support to the Indian contingent participating in the onging Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Ghosh said: “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”.
Baroness Prashar CBE, 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.”
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, Parag Anand, director, Daksh Global were present during the event.
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.
Organisers now plan to make this an annual event.
