To celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the High Commission of India in the UK, and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry – UK organised a friendly T-20 cricket match at the Indian Gymkhana, London. The event was also aimed to show support to the Indian contingent participating at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
The High Commission team led by the Acting High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh included officers and staff of the High Commission. The FICCI team included employees of 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. The match turned out to be a thrilling encounter that went down to the last over. FICCI XI emerged victorious by 5 runs.
Close to 125 members of the Indian Community watched the match. Some of the eminent personalities cheering the team included The Rt Hon. the Baroness Prashar CBE, Chairperson, FICCI UK Council, Manish Singh, IAS, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Sharad Chandak, CEO & Regional Head, State Bank of India, Arvid Pedersen, Vice Chair, Red Ribbon Asset Management, Ramkumar Chandrasekaran, HR Director – UK & Ireland, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Parag Anand, Director, Daksh Global, amongst others.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Sujit 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 Parashar 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 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 better understanding.”
Sujit Ghosh was adjudged as the ‘Man of the Match’ for his valiant 43 not out. Pradeep Rawat of the HCI XI was the bowler of the match with five wickets for 22 runs in his quota of four overs. Aditya Rathod of FICCI XI was the batsman of the match. HCI and FICCI intend to make it an annual feature and rotate the trophy year-on-year.
