MCC MCL LEGENDS & PGML MANAS MAVERICKS BATTLE FOR RAMAKANT VERLEKAR CHAMPIONS TROPHY

The annual Ramakant Verlekar Champions Trophy will be held at GCA Academy ground in Porvorim on April 28, Sunday. 

Organised by Sunita Verlekar Foundation, the T-20 match will be played on a day-night format between MCC Legends, the winners of the MCL League of Margao Cricket Club, and Manas Mavericks, the winners of the Panaji Gymkhana Members League.

Foundation trustee Gautam Verlekar informed at a press conference in Panaji on Wednesday.

Gautam Verlekar - trustee Sunita Verlekar
Foundation Trustee Kishore Kodolikar, Tournament Director Kapil Sinai Borker, MCC Legends team captain Siddharth Ghanekar and Manas Mavericks captain Ilyas Naroo were also present on the occasion. 

"Cricket has been dear to my self as a player and my father who has been a player at MMC and guardian of cricket knowledge to me," said Verlekar.

Verlekar further said that the foundation is carrying out many activities in educational and social sectors. 

The family has produced many players in table tennis. In cricket, the family continues to contribute through this medium.

The initiative was launched by the foundation in 2020. Dempo Sports Club, won this rolling trophy last year. 

Speaking about the initiative, Tournament Director Kapil Sinai Borkar said the Goa Cricket Association has appreciated the foundation for the initiative. 

'It is a very good initiative by Sunita Verlekar Foundation. Seen the tournament growing over the last four years. Happy to be part of the tournament and Excited to host both the teams," said Kapil.

MCC Legends team captain Siddharth Ghanekar said team owner Dr. Sagar Salgaonkar fully supports this unique initiative. Siddharth said he has been a part of the initiative for the last four years. 

Manas Mavericks captain Ilyas Naroo said the support of his team owner Tanmay Kholkar was important. Last year, the challenge ended in the semi-finals of PGML.

"We took it a step further by winning the tournament this time," Naroo said, "and hope to win the Champions Trophy also this year. "