Sunny’s Days – A commemorative book on Sunil Gavaskar by Bhatt Brothers

by | Jun 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

June 25th, 2025, Ahmedabad.

“Sunny’s Days” is a commemorative publication on Sunil Gavaskar, authored by Bhatt Brothers. It documents significant milestones, stories, and photographs from Gavaskar’s career, with each date linked and synchronized to the serial numbers of Indian currency notes. This unique feature ensures the creation of a single, exclusive copy worldwide.

The Bhatt Brothers also published a book on Mr. Geet Sethi, a renowned billiards legend and world champion, chronicling his life journey with milestones.

On June 2, 2025, an exclusive event “Evening with Legends” was held in Ahmedabad, featuring distinguished guests. The event showcased both legends, Sunil Gavaskar (SG) and Geet Sethi (GS), who shared insights into their preparation and competitive strategies during their active careers.

Coincidentally, on the same day, Mr. Geet Sethi secured his ninth world billiards title, and Mr. Sunil Gavaskar achieved the milestone of 10,000 runs on March 7th, 1987, becoming the first batter (Male or Female) to reach 10,000 Runs mark. Both legend’s milestones were achieved & celebrated in Ahmedabad.

During their speeches, the legends discussed their mental preparation. Gavaskar emphasized focusing on what not to do rather than what to do, while Sethi highlighted the importance of self-decision-making, calmness, and self-belief in individual sports. Sethi stated, “In non-team sports, players must make their own decisions; self-decision is key and staying calm and confident is essential for success.”

From Gavaskar’s iconic cricket performances to Sethi’s strategic mastery in billiards, the platform honors the spirit of these sports and the minds behind their achievements. The simultaneous release of these two books underscores the themes of preparation, resilience, and self-confidence that drive champions toward excellence.

The unique concept of these commemorative collections was conceived by the Bhatt family, including Mr. Sheetal Bhatt, Mr. Ravi Bhatt, and their 14-year-old son, Karan Bhatt.

Photo Credits – Bhatt Brothers (India)

A heroics by Sandhu from the 1983 ICC ODI World Cup

A heroics by Sandhu from the 1983 ICC ODI World Cup

by | Jun 26, 2025 | Uncategorized

Since 1975, the West Indies have celebrated over 50 years of cricketing achievement, beginning with their victory in the inaugural ICC One Day International (ODI) World Cup. They successfully defended their title in 1979, establishing a formidable legacy in international cricket.

The 1983 Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s is renowned for the delivery often referred to as the “Golden Ball of the Century”. Delivered on June 25th, 1983, during the second innings of the final, this inswinger from Balwinder Sandhu dismissed Gordon Greenidge, significantly impacting the match. West Indies, defending 184 runs, were all out for 140 in 50 overs, falling 43 runs short of India’s target of 183 in 54.4 overs.

This pivotal moment is widely regarded as a turning point in cricket history, transforming India from perceived underdogs to champions and elevating the sport’s status within the country. India subsequently hosted the 1987 World Cup, and by 1990, cricket had overtaken soccer as the most popular sport in the world.

The success of that delivery contributed to India’s cricketing rise, culminating in the 1983 World Cup victory. The story was later dramatized in the Bollywood film “83,” which depicted the events of the tournament and reached a global audience of over two billion viewers, highlighting cricket’s cultural significance in India.

In sports and life, pivotal moments—referred to as “turning points” can alter the course of events. The 1983 delivery from Sandhu exemplifies such a moment, shaping the future landscape of India & international cricket.

Balwinder Singh Sandhu, the bowler of that historic delivery, later collaborated with the film industry to ensure accurate casting that reflected the likenesses of the players involved, thereby preserving the authenticity of this iconic event.

 

Balwinder Sandhu

Balwinder Singh Sandhu with Jatin Patel in USA.

USA at ICC T20 Cricket World Cup

by | Jun 14, 2024 | Uncategorized

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the United States is now heading towards the Super 8 stage.

USA debut in the T20 world cup is now advances to the second round known as Super 8 Stage.

After a series of upsets, nail-biting low scoring results in the first-ever 20-team biggest ICC world cup, some leading teams Pakistan, New Zealand & Sri Lanka already knocked out of the tournament and few more surprises to follow.

EIGHT TEAMS, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, South Africa, USA & West Indies – have ensured qualification to the round-robin Super 8 stage.

In the Super 8, Eight teams will again split into two groups in a single-round robin league from which the top two teams in either group advance into the semi-finals. The teams will be separated based on their rankings in first round.

The seedings for the Super 8s:

Group 1:
(A1) India
(B2) England
(C1)  West Indies
(D2) Bangladesh

Group 2:
(A2) USA
(B1) Australia
(C2) Afghanistan
(D1) South Africa

TEAMS ELIMINATED FROM SUPER 8 RACE

Group A: Canada, Ireland & Pakistan
Group B: Namibia, Oman & Scotland
Group C: Uganda, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand
Group D: Sri Lanka, Nepal & Netherland

The Super 8 matches will run from June 19 to June 24. the semifinals will be played on June 26 (Trinidad) and June 27 (Guyana).
The final will be held on June 29 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Super 8 Group 1
Qualified Teams: India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh.
T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Group 1 schedule
June 20, 2024: Afghanistan vs India – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – 10:30 AM local
June 20, 2024: Australia vs Bangladesh – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound – 8:30 PM local
June 22, 2024: India vs Bangladesh – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua – 10:30 AM local
June 22, 2024: West Indies vs afghanistan – Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent – 08:30 PM local
June 24, 2024: Australia  vs India – Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia – 10:30 AM local
June 24, 2024: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent – 08:30 PM local

Super 8 Group 2
Qualified Teams: West Indies, South Africa, USA, England.
T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 Group 2 schedule
June 19, 2024: USA vs South Africa – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua – 10:30 AM local
June 19, 2024: England vs West Indies – Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia – 06:00 AM IST (Jun 20) (08:30 PM local)
June 21, 2024: England vs South Africa – Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia – 8:00 PM IST (10:30 AM local)
June 21, 2024: USA vs West Indies – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – 06:00 AM IST (Jun 22) (08:30 PM local)
June 23, 2024: USA vs England – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – 8:00 PM IST (10:30 AM local)
June 23, 2024: West Indies vs South Africa – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua – 06:00 AM IST (Jun 24) (08:30 PM local)

T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals, Finals schedule
June 26, 2024: SEMIFINAL 1 – Winner Group 1 vs Runner-up Group 2 – Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad – 06:00 AM IST (Jun 27) 08:30 PM local
June 27, 2024: SEMIFINAL 2 – Winner Group 2 vs Runner-up Group 1 – Providence Stadium, Guyana – 08:00 PM IST (10:30 AM local)
June 29, 2024: FINAL – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – 07:30 PM IST (Jun 22) (10:00 AM local)

India win T20 World Cup Opening match against Ireland in New York.

India win T20 World Cup Opening match against Ireland in New York.

by | Jun 5, 2024 | Uncategorized

June 5th, 2024, New York.

Rohit Sharma, Captain of the Indian team, won the toss and elected to field first against Ireland as both teams played their historical first match of the ICC T20 World Cup groundbreaking match in New York, Nassau County Cricket Stadium.

India had previously played one warm up match here in this stadium, where they experienced the ground conditions of the new stadium. India’s previous experience influenced the decision to go for the run chase, and so they elected to bat last.

India with the fire pack of four quick bowlers destroyed Ireland batting line up as Arshdeep Singh opened the bowling for India, and he was rewarded with a double breakthrough in his second over with two wickets. Both Ireland openers did not last long, Paul Sterling caught behind by Pant on the first ball of the over for 2 runs from 6 balls with the score on 7 runs for 1 wicket. Andy Balbirnie was bowled on the last ball of the over for 5 runs from 10 balls with the score at 9 runs for 2 wickets.

Lorcan Tucker was next to go, he was bowled by Hardik Pandya in his first over for 10 runs from 13 balls with 2 fours and the score was now 28 runs for 3 wickets after 6.5 overs. Jaspreet Bumrah removed Harry Tactor in the following over, his second over of the match for 4 runs from 16 balls with the score of 36 runs for 4 wickets after 6.5 overs.

Hardik Pandya picked up another wicket in his second over when Curtis Campher was caught behind by Rishabh Pant, he scored 12 runs from 8 balls with one six and one four.  Ireland’s score stood at 44 runs for 5 wickets after 9 overs.

Struggling Ireland was looking for a decent partnership to avoid collapse but lost another wicket when George Dockrell was caught by Jaspreet Bumrah as he tried to hit Mohamad Siraj over the long on boundary. He scored 3 runs from 5 balls. The score was 46 runs for 6 wickets after 9.4 overs. Hardik Pandya continued to keep the momentum going and Mark Adair was caught by Dube for 3 runs from 2 balls, the score was now 49 runs for 7 wickets after 10.1 overs.

Axar Patel, the left arm spinner joined the party as the fifth bowler and was able to remove Barry McCarthy, bowl and caught with a diving catch, for no runs from 6 balls with the score 50 runs for 8 wickets after 11.2 overs.

Gareth Delany made 26 from 14 balls with 2 sixes and 2 fours assisted by Josh little 14 runs from 13 balls with 2 fours, a partnership of 27 runs to rescue the inning.  The partnerships ended when Jaspreet Bumrah bowled Jos little on the score of 77 for 9 after 14.2 overs. Gareth Delany was run out to end Ireland inning for a total of 96 runs after 16 overs.

India’s run chase began with the loss of Viral Kohli, caught by Ben White off the bowling of Mark Adair for 1 run from 5 balls, India’s score was 22 runs for 1 wicket after 2.4 overs.  At the end of 10 overs India was 76 runs for 1 wicket and Rohit Sharma retired hurt on 52 runs from 37 balls with 3 sixes and 4 fours. Surya Kumar Yadav joined Rishabh Pant, but he lasted for 2 runs in 4 balls.  He was out when he tried to slog-sweep with only 6 runs needed to win.

Rishabh Pant 36 runs from 26 balls with 2 sixes and 3 fours helped India to clinch their first win in their first game of the ICC T20 World Cup. Jaspreet Bumrah was rewarded as Player of the match for his 2 wickets from 6 runs in his 3 overs with 1 maiden and a catch.

India with the two wins at New York stadium, ready to face off rival Pakistan as the biggest game of the tournament schedule for the June 9th Sunday.

Following Content from https://www.icc-cricket.com

Masterful Rohit Sharma surpasses Dhoni, Babar on day of big career milestones

India captain Rohit Sharma reached a host of milestones during his impressive knock of 52* against Ireland in New York on Wednesday.

Rohit’s fifty played a big part in his team’s victory, the 42nd India win under his captaincy, seeing him surpass MS Dhoni for the most victories as India men’s skipper in T20Is.

And his runs saw him bring up two other big career run-scoring milestones:

Rohit is the third player in history to reach 1000 runs at ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, trailing only Mahela Jayawardene (1016) and Virat Kohli (1142) in those standings.

The 37-year-old also moved up to second in the list of all-time run scorers in men’s T20 internationals, reaching a career tally of 4026 and pushing Pakistan’s Babar Azam (4023) down into third.

His India teammate Kohli also tops that list, with 4038 career T20I runs, 12 more than Rohit. And those weren’t the only records to fall on the day for India’s veteran opener.

Rohit’s three sixes in his innings also saw him become the first player to hit 600 sixes in the international game across formats — 84 in Tests, 323 in ODIs and 193 in T20Is.

West Indies legend Chris Gayle (553) is the only other player to have passed 500 career maximums.

Highest prize money announced for Historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Highest prize money announced for Historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

by | Jun 4, 2024 | Uncategorized

  • Winners to get at least $2.45 million (USD) from the overall $11.25 million pot, runners-up to get at least $1.28 million
  • Every team receives a minimum of $225,000 for participating

The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will see the winners of the 20-team tournament earn at least $2.45 million, the highest prize money in the history of the tournament, along with the trophy that they will lift at Kensington Oval in Barbados on 29 June.

The runners-up will receive at least $1.28 million, while the losing semi-finalists walk away with $787,500 each from the total, historic prize pot of $11.25 million.

The four teams that fail to make it out of the Super 8s will earn $382,500 each, while the teams placed ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th receive $247,500 each. Participants who finish 13th to 20th place will return $225,000.

And every team receives an additional $31,154 for each match they win barring the semi-finals and final.

The 55-match event will be played over 28 days, across nine venues in the West Indies and USA, making this the biggest ICC T20 World Cup ever.

The format of this year’s tournament will see 40 first round matches played before the top eight progress to the Super 8s. Four teams will then qualify for the semi-finals, which will be staged in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, ending with the final in Barbados where the 2024 men’s champions will be crowned.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “This event is historic in so many ways so it is fitting that the prize money for players reflects that. Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be entertained by the players in what we’re hoping to be an Out of This World event.”

*All prize money is in US Dollars