NMC launches Mayor's Cup T20 tournament for women cricketers at Yashwant Stadium

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started the Mayor's Cup T20 cricket tournament to promote women's cricket and give promising women players a bigger stage to show their talent. The tournament is being held at Yashwant Stadium and will run till November 8. It has been organised on the special initiative of Mayor Neeta Thakre.

Thakre inaugurated the tournament. Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, leader of the ruling party Narendra (Balya) Borkar, Sports Special Committee chairperson Darshani Dhawad, corporator Vaishali Udapurkar and sports officer Dr Piyush Ambulkar were present, along with several officials and staff.

The inauguration saw a memorable moment. Thakre did not limit herself to the ceremony, but took a bat and walked onto the field. She played some strong shots on the pitch, and players and spectators applauded to encourage her. Dani-Wakhare, Borkar and Dhawad also tried their hand at batting and bowling. Borkar too played a few forceful shots.

The mayor and the other office-bearers taking the field lifted the mood in the stadium. The women cricketers and spectators liked it greatly. The ground kept echoing with applause, and the guests enjoyed the game and cheered on the players.

Thakre also presented a award to Player of the Match Arzoo Timma for her brilliant performance.

A total of 120 players from eight prominent women's cricket teams of Nagpur are taking part. The teams have been divided into two groups, A and B, for the title race.

The winning team will receive the championship trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The runner-up team will be given Rs 51,000. Separate prizes have also been kept for outstanding play, including Player of the Match, Player of the Series, Best Batter and Best Bowler.

The Player of the Match will receive a trophy and Rs 2,100. The Player of the Series, Best Batter and Best Bowler will each receive a trophy and Rs 21,000.

The aim of the Mayor's Cup is to increase women's participation in sport, identify emerging cricket talent and give women players a competitive platform where they can show their ability and win further opportunities.