Purshottam Shield Cricket tournament in its 100th year


Every cricket lover in Mumbai city, from young to old, is well aware of the Purshottam Shield Cricket tournament, which is the oldest and most prestigious cricket tournament. Started in 1915, this tournament is now celebrating its 100th year. The initiative to start this tournament was taken by Mr. Purshottamlal Sukhadia, a school teacher in Mumbai and a great lover of the game of cricket, who instituted the shield out of his meagre savings, for Hindus; but was later  made open to all communities.

PJ Hindu Gymkhana cricket team members

PJ Hindu Gymkhana cricket team members

Mr. Purshottamlal Sukhadia was the father of Ex Chief Minister of Rajasthan Late Mr. Mohanlal Sukhadia. Till date, this is the most prestigious and sought after Shield, that every Top Cricket Body in Mumbai dreams to add to their Tally, year after year. Well Known cricketers  Like Vijay Merchant ,Vinoo Manked ,Bapu Nadkarni, Madhav Mantri, Eknath Solkar,Sunil Gavaskar, Umesh Kulkarni, Sachin Tendulkar and many more great cricketers  have participated in this tournament . Over the years, we have seen  budding Players, battle it out with established players while playing in this tournament.

The P. J. Hindu Gymkhana, which  has been hosting this tournament,  since its inception;   has added various Prestigious Shields under the Purshottam Shield,  for best performers in  Batting, Bowling and Fielding aspects of the game.

This being the 100th year, the tournament has special significance, as Special Silver Coins will be distributed to all officials and guests. Total prize Money will be Rs.2.5 lakh. The tournament begins from 19th December 2015, with finals to be played between 22nd and 24th January 2016. So, from 19th December all roads will lead to marine drive, to watch the players in action, representing different teams. The Cricket Secretary of PJ Hindu Gymkhana is very excited top host this cricket tournament , which is in its 100th year. He has invited many veteran cricketers, who had earlier participated in this tournament in the past, to boost the morale of today’s young participants.