Tag: Sunita Verlekar Foundation

Sports

PGML Kings Triumph in Thrilling Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy Final

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Margao: PGML Kings emerged victorious in a thrilling contest, defeating MCL Superstars by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare to claim the Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy 2025. The match, held under floodlights at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Stadium, Margao, was organized by the Sunita Verlekar Foundation. This was the fifth edition of the prestigious tournament. The PGML Kings team featured top players from the Panaji Gymkhana Members League, while MCL Superstars comprised leading players from the Margao Cricket Club’s Members Cricket League.
After winning the toss, MCL Superstars elected to bat first, scoring 147/9 in 20 overs. Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar top-scored with an unbeaten 40 runs, while captain Aditya Angle (25) and Amod Borkar (23) made valuable contributions. For PGML Kings, Ajinkya Kudtarkar, Ramnath Gaonkar, and Saif Ali Karajgi took two wickets each, while Heramb Shankar Parab, Om Fadte, and Sazu Naik claimed one wicket apiece.

Chasing the target, PGML Kings secured victory in 19.1 overs, losing 7 wickets. At one stage, they were comfortably placed at 116/3, with Vedant Naik scoring 40 runs off 28 balls. However, a double strike by Siddharth Ghanekar, dismissing Robin D’Souza (8) and Saif (43 off 34 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) in a single over, made the contest exciting. Siddhesh Alvencar further dented PGML Kings by dismissing captain Muktiar Kadri (7) and Ramnath Gaonkar (0). Under pressure, Harshad Gadekar played a crucial unbeaten knock of 22 runs, ensuring victory for his team.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by former Indian cricketer and ex-coach of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team, Lalchand Rajput, currently the head coach of UAE’s national team. Other dignitaries included MCC President Yogesh Naik, Kapil Angle, and Sunita Verlekar Foundation Trustee Gautam Verlekar, who handed out the awards.

Individual Awards:
Best Fielder: Ramnath Gaonkar

Impact Player of the Game: Balkrishna Hodarkar

Best Bowler: Siddharth Ghanekar

Best Batsman: Siddhesh Alvencar

Man of the Match: Saif Ali Karajgi

Sports

5th edition of Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy T20 Cricket on March 29 at Margao

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Panaji: The Sunita Verlekar Foundation will be organising the 5th edition of the Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy T20 Cricket on March 29, 6pm onwards.

The T20 match will be played at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ground, Margao Cricket Club under floodlights between MCL Superstars – Margao Cricket Club Members League Premium and PGML Kings – Panjim Gymkhana Members League Premium.

Trustee of Sunita Verlekar Foundation, Gautam Verlekar said that the Chief Guest for the event, being a milestone edition of the fifth year, will be Lalchand Rajput. He is a former India cricketer, ex-India coach T20 World Cup winning team in 2007, coach of UAE, & former opening batsman and coach – Mumbai Ranji Team.

Verlekar termed the match as a prized contest between two leading teams, Margao Cricket Club and Panjim Gymkhana Cricket club. He said that the teams will comprise the best players from their respective members’ leagues, and thanked Manoj Caculo and Yogesh Naik for their support.

“Both clubs have storied and legendary status in terms of the players they have produced for the state of Goa. The trophy is a small attempt to bring the top two clubs of the state and best players of these clubs compete against each other in a T20 match. This year, the teams of both clubs have been picked by both clubs and we hope that it will be an exciting contest.”

Chief Trustee of Sunita Verlekar Foundation Kishore Kodolikar said that it is an attempt by the foundation to showcase this event annually.

“Gautam’s father, Ramakant Verlekar, was a CA by profession and a big cricket aficionado. He was an opening batsman for the Timblo cricket team in the 1970s. We are trying to have this trophy every year to carry forward his legacy. “

Chairman of the governing council of Panjim Gymkhana, Suresh Mahadevan said, “Both these clubs have been in the forefront of cricket in Goa. This is another opportunity for the best of the players in the state to compete against each other.”

Secretary of Margao Cricket Club Apoorva Bhembre said, “Both these clubs in Goa have their own grounds, infrastructure, institution and membership strength. They also organise their members’ leagues. It is an opportunity for the players who will come together as both teams will have common members of the clubs, so this is not Margao Cricket Club versus Panjim Gymkhana. This is a contest of talent and abilities. We hope to see a competitive event.”

Verlekar said that the reason for the floodlight match is the hot weather. He also said that the match will have a few added variations like rolling substitutions as well as a challenge over and restrictions in terms of the number of runs the batsmen can score.

“There are two additions in the rules – teams are allowed to substitute 3 players during the game. And the other being there will be a challenge over between the 11th and 15th over in which the team batting team has the opportunity to score double the runs or none depending on their targeted runs announced previously,” he said.

Captain of PGML winning team Mukhtar Kadri said that the team is excited to play at the ground for the first time under floodlights.

While Captain of MCL Stars Aditya Angle said, “I have played four editions and it will be a brilliant march that will comprise the best talent. We may have passed our age but we still have our ability to play.”