In a function that melded cricketers and corporates, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched the inaugural Sahara BCCI Corporate Trophy tournament here on Thursday night.
The tournament, featuring 12 teams split into four groups, will be held at Bangalore, Mohali, Vishakhapatnam and Dharamsala from September 1 to 8 with Bangalore hosting the final.
“This indeed is a red-letter day in Indian cricket and is part of the series of initiatives that the BCCI has taken over the years to promote cricket and cricketers. We are all aware of the role played by public sector companies and corporates in promoting the game but over the years we have noticed a perceptible drop in interest among these companies.
Rejuvenating interest
“We hope that through this tournament we can rejuvenate corporate interest and we also have made the condition about players being confirmed employees of the participating companies a ‘non-negotiable’ pact so that cricketers are assured about their employment and career beyond cricket,” BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said.
Later Rahul Dravid, who is proud about his association with India Cements, said: “I am sure the tournament will play a significant role in reviving corporate interest in the game.
“For me the most heartening thing is to see a cricketer, who may not have had that great a success in terms of playing for the State or the Country, having a career with a leading company and being able to provide a good life for his family. When I joined India Cements 15 years ago, it gave me that added security and helped me focus on my game.”
Hefty prize money
The trophy, that will be given to the winner along with the prize money of Rs. one crore, was jointly unveiled by N. Srinivasan, BCCI Joint Secretary Sanjay Jagdale and Sahara Group official Abhijit Sarkar.
The Indian team led by M.S. Dhoni was present for the function along with a bevy of former cricketers and officials.
