It is a unique tournament. And, the temptation to go down memory lane was irresistible even for the former India stumper and now BCCI national selector, M.S.K. Prasad. For, it was the launch of the ninth edition of the Eenadu Champion Cricket Cup which happens to be the only cricketing event across the two Telugu speaking States providing a platform for the young talent from the remotest rural areas to showcase their skills and dream big.
The fact that MSK, as he is more popularly known in cricketing circles, shared memories of playing under T. Pavan, former Ranji cricketer, in the under-12 category in the days when events far and few. “Look at the magnitude of this event featuring 1,581 teams – from 300 in the inaugural edition in 2006. And, well the Guinness World Records mentions it as the largest cricket tournament in its 2013 edition.
What more do these youngsters need,” he exclaimed even while stressing that all this would not have been possible but for the passion for the Eenadu Group of Publications chairman Ch. Ramoji Rao.
And to the pleasant surprise of the event managers, MSK even announced that he would use his good offices to see that the best team from this event would be picked by a panel of selectors and given free coaching, education and boarding.
“I am amazed at the organisational skills on such a massive scale at a time when even an inter-district event featuring 12 teams is a huge task,” he said amidst applause.
The ECC which is on now has some unique features which makes it immensely popular, evident by the number of sponsors lined up, as it also ensures an IPL-like atmosphere with the teams named like Rayalaseema Rockers, North Andra Ninjas, Central Andhra Challengers, Telangana Tigers and Hyderabad Heroes – representing the regional champions.
The final will be played at the LB Stadium under lights after the league phase takes place in Vijayawada and Hyderabad.
The championship happens to be the only cricketing event across the two Telugu-speaking States providing a platform for the young talent from the remotest rural areas