The eleventh edition of the All India Cricket Zonal Tournament (West Zone) commenced with grandeur at the Desire Sports Ground in Loni, Pune. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the convergence of cricket enthusiasts, dignitaries, department employees, and players, creating a united cricketing family.
Organized by IFA(CC), Lucknow, under the aegis of DASCB-Defence Accounts Sports Control Board, New Delhi, and CGDA HQrs Office New Delhi, the tournament is scheduled to take place from October 4 to October 8, 2023, in Lucknow. It features participation from eight qualified teams in the Men’s Category, representing all five DASCB Zones. The West Zone, boasting five teams, including PCDA (SC) Pune, PCDA(O) Pune, PCDA(NAVY) Mumbai, PCDA(SWC) Jaipur, and PCDA(WC) Chandigarh, will engage in a Round Robin League format, with the highest-scoring team, following BCCI Rules, advancing to the national All India Cricket Tournament in Lucknow.
The event’s distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. Rajeev Chavan, IDAS, ndc, PCDA(SC) Pune, graced the ceremony with his presence. A lineup of esteemed special invitees included Sh. M. Saravanan, IDAS, IFA(SC) Pune, Sh. Praveen Ranjan, IDAS, Addl. Director, Dr. Mahesh Dale, IDAS, Addl. CDA, Sh. B.S. Kamble, IDAS, Jt.CDA, Sh. Vikram Rajapure, IDAS, DCDA, Smt. M.D. Puranik, IDAS, ACDA, among other notable Officers and Staff.
The ceremony commenced with the symbolic gesture of gifting potted plants and mementos to the special invitees, symbolizing the growth and prosperity of the tournament.
A captivating ‘Deep Prajwalan’ ceremony followed, illuminating the path of the tournament and casting away the darkness and gloom of the pandemic era. It ushered in an environment filled with life, enthusiasm, and fanfare. The week ahead promises sheer excitement and intense competition.
The tournament’s commencement showcased unity and sportsmanship, as teams from across the region participated in a vibrant March Past. Led by their Captains and flag bearers, each team made a colorful entrance, proudly representing their team’s essence of Solidarity, Unity, and Identity.
Dr. Mahesh Dale, IDAS, Additional CDA, delivered the Welcome address, emphasizing the importance of health and physical fitness in achieving mental well-being.
In his eloquent address, Dr. Rajeev Chavan, IDAS, ndc, PCDA(SC) Pune, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to organize matches for the West Zone once again, reminiscent of the 10th All India DAD Cricket Tournament in 2018. He highlighted the crucial role of such tournaments at the national level, emphasizing the significance of physical fitness as a cornerstone of a sound mind.
Dr. Chavan passionately advocated for the benefits of a healthy mind in enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and promoting sportsmanship and teamwork. He reminded the players that in the tapestry of cricket, both victory and defeat are integral, but the spirit of the game must always triumph.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Dr. Chavan extended a prayer for favorable playing conditions and a fair platform for all players.
The event’s coordination was expertly managed by Sh. Swapnil Hanmane, IDAS, ACDA, Pune, with Mrs. Suhana Arief as the lively emcee. Commentary was provided by Dr. Anil Kudia, PCDA(SC) Pune, Sh. Brijesh Shukla, AOGE(C) Kirkee, and Sh. Mukesh Jha, NADFM, Pune. Umpires Sh. Amit Yadav and Sh. Avinash Dharmashali, both BCCI approved, officiated the match.
The tournament’s opening match featured a toss between PCDA(SC) Pune and PCDA(Navy) Mumbai, with PCDA(SC) Pune choosing to bowl first. PCDA(Navy) Mumbai scored 80 runs in 20 overs, while PCDA(SC) Pune secured victory by 9 wickets, with a score of 81/1 in 9.1 overs. Shri Deepak Shilamkar, Vice Captain of PCDA(SC) Pune team, was awarded the Man of the Match.
