Fostering Grassroots Cricket Development in West Bengal, The Winning Team to Seize the Prestigious Mayors Cup
Kolkata, Nov 29: The much-awaited Inter-School Competition, ‘Junior Knights Championship’ is back this year, marking its 6th year of empowering young cricket enthusiasts in Kolkata and West Bengal. This renowned Inter-School Competition, initiated to provide a stage for emerging talents, is set to inspire and mentor the next generation of cricket stars.
The Junior Knights Championship tournament conducted in honour of the Mayor of Kolkata is a collaborative effort by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), focusing on Under-15 Inter-school cricket. Commencing on November 29th in Kolkata, the tournament is slated to go on until the first quarter of 2024.
This edition boasts participation from 64 school teams, strategically divided into 16 groups, competing in 111 matches across 32 grounds in and around West Bengal. The format features one-day matches with 45 overs per side until the semis, followed by two-day matches with 85 overs per side in the semis and finals.
Elevating the stakes, the Knight Riders sweeten the opportunity for the tournament winners with an exclusive training opportunity at the esteemed KKR Academy, under the guidance of KKR's seasoned coaches. This golden chance propels the winners into an immersive learning experience, gleaning insights from the best in the cricketing business. The 'Junior Knights Championship' stands as a monumental occasion for budding cricketers in Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal to make their mark on the grand stage.
Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Riders Group, says, “Championing the grassroot level development of cricket is not just a commitment for us; it's a passion that fuels the spirit of the game. The Junior Knights Championship, a collaboration between Knight Riders Group, CAB, and the Mayor's office, stands as our unwavering promise to create a meaningful platform for the rising stars of cricket. Over the years, this tournament has become a canvas for showcasing not just talent but also the enduring spirit of sportsmanship among the young participants, a testament to the transformative power of the game."
Snehasish Ganguly, President, Cricket Association of Bengal, says, "We are back this year with 64 teams, and I am sure it will be a great tournament that will be competitive and keenly fought. It will also hopefully throw up new talents. We are thankful to KKR who have come in a big way to support this grassroots tournament and promote school cricket. We are also grateful to KMC for patronizing this tournament and helping us with all necessary permissions."
KKR's commitment to this championship dates back to 2018, signifying their dedication to nurturing talent in Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal region. The tournament not only serves as a launchpad for emerging talents but also as a learning ground where winners get to absorb invaluable lessons from KKR's experienced coaches, honing their skills for future success.
