Indian Cricketer Rahul Tripathi Inaugurates Sixth Season of ‘Sindhi Premier League’
Pune, 22nd February 2025: Indian cricketer Rahul Tripathi inaugurated the sixth season of the Sindhi Premier League, a nonprofit cricket tournament, at Mrunal Cricket Ground in Pimpri. The league aims to unite the Sindhi community, promoting the importance of fitness and contributing to society. The matches will be played over 24 days, culminating in a grand closing ceremony on March 9, 2025.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by entrepreneurs Dabbu Aswani and Shrichand Aswani, along with organizers Kanwal Khiani, Hitesh Dadlani,
Kamal Jethani, Ankush Mulchandani, Naresh Nasha, Karan Aswani, Avi Tejwani, Avi Israni, Kunal Gudela, and Piyush Jethani.
Rahul Tripathi said, “Cricket is a game that brings everyone together. This tournament is being played with great enthusiasm, bringing entire families together. Outdoor sports should be played to stay mentally refreshed and physically fit. The initiative taken by the Sindhi community is commendable. The presence of players along with their children on the field fills the atmosphere with energy. This league is important for instilling a sportsman’s spirit among the youth of the
community. Enjoy the game with teamwork and honesty.”
Kanwal Khiani said, “This cricket tournament has been organized for the past six years to encourage the youth of the Sindhi community to participate in sports, preserve Sindhi culture, and support charitable organizations with a sense of social responsibility. In this tournament, a total of 16 teams are participating in the men’s category, while eight teams are competing in the women’s category. The men’s teams are named after elements of Sindhi culture, while the
women’s teams are named after rivers. A total of 90 women and 251 men have registered as players.”
The men’s category in this tournament includes teams such as Mast Kalandar, Sultans of Sindh, Mohenjo Daro Warriors, Sindhphool Rangers, SSD Falcons, Indus Dynamos, Dada Vaswani’s Brigade, Jhulelal Super Kings, Hemu Kalani Gladiators, Guru Nanak Knights, Sant Kanwaram Royals, Aryans United, Jai Baba Strikers, Sindhi Indians, Ajrak Super Giants, and Pimpri Yodhas. In the women’s category, the participating teams are Ganga Warriors, Godavari Giants, Jhelum Queens, Sindhu Starlets, Yamuna Strikers, Narmada Titans, Krishna Supernovas, and Indrayani Thunderbolts.
The opening match of the tournament was a thrilling encounter between Sindhphool Rangers and Sultans of Sindh, culminating in a dramatic Super Over, where Sindhphool Rangers emerged victorious. Earlier, Rangers won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Chirag Nirankari and Dinesh Rizwani gave an explosive start with a 37-run partnership. Nirankari smashed 34 runs off 15 balls, hitting 4 sixes and 1 four, while Ram Popatani scored 25 runs off 13 balls with 2 sixes and 1 four. Rangers set a target of 87 runs, finishing at 86/5 in 9 overs.
In response, Sultans’ openers Rajiv Ahuja (11 off 5) and Piyush Ramnani (49 off 24) played aggressively. Ramnani’s innings included 5 sixes and 3 fours, but he fell just one run short of his half-century. The Sultans also managed 86 runs, forcing a Super Over.
In the Super Over, Sultans of Sindh scored 9 runs, setting a 10-run target for Rangers. Sindhphool Rangers chased it down in just 5 balls, securing victory. Dinesh Rizwani was named Player of the Match.
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Summary of the Match:
Sindhphool Rangers: In 9 overs, 5/86 (Chirag Nirankari 34, Ram
Popatani 25, Manish Jagwani 2-6),
Sultans of Sindh: In 9 overs, 7/86 (Rajiv Ahuja 49, Dinesh Rizwani 3-20).
Super Over:
Sindhful Rangers: In 0.5 overs 1/10
Sultans of Sindh: In 1 overs 2/9
Result: Sindhful Rangers Won
