Cricket aficionados are gearing up for an extraordinary exhibition match bringing together cricket legends for an altruistic purpose. The venue for this iconic conglomeration of talent is Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, where veterans of the sport are set to light up the newly inaugurated sports stadium on Thursday, January 18. This event is not just a testament to the game’s spirit but also a celebration of the ‘One World One Family Cup’, reflecting the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbhkam’ teachings espoused by the Shri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission.
The inauguration of this stadium is a landmark moment, especially given that it’s designed to benefit underprivileged children—an initiative consistent with the sustained humanitarian efforts carried out by the organization, including free medical colleges, hospitals, and school meal programs. The heartbeat of this initiative, Sunil Gavaskar, who played a pivotal role in the organization’s efforts, sees the cricket match as a means to propagate its message to a broader demographic.
Sachin Tendulkar, cricket’s prodigal son, will captain the One World team, flanked by a cadre of remarkable talent including Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and international star Danny Morrison. The opposing squad, One Family, helmed by the indomitable Yuvraj Singh, boasts an impressive line-up with Yusuf Pathan, spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, pace-man Makhaya Ntini, and Venkatesh Prasad fleshing out the ranks.
The clock is set to signal the beginning of the ‘One World One Family Cup’, with the match scheduled for a 10 AM IST start. For fans unable to make it to Sathya Sai Grama, fret not, as live coverage will be broadcasted on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi channels. Additionally, cricket enthusiasts from all corners of the globe can catch every moment through live streaming available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website, as well as the Shri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission’s YouTube channel.
The teams look formidable on paper. The One World faction: under the leadership of Sachin Tendulkar, includes Naman Ojha, Upul Tharanga, Alviro Petersen, S Badrinath, Irfan Pathan, towering figures like Ashok Dinda, Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, England’s Monty Panesar, RP Singh and New Zealand’s Danny Morrison, all geared up to showcase their prowess.
Competing with equal gusto will be the One Family team, captained by the ever-energetic Yuvraj Singh. This side will also feature Parthiv Patel, veteran batsman Mohammad Kaif, England’s Darren Maddy, Alok Kapali, Sri Lankan legend Romesh Kaluwitharana, powerful hitter Yusuf Pathan, spinner Jason Krejza, and other cricketing stalwarts like Chaminda Vaas and Venkatesh Prasad set to display their timeless skills.
As anticipation mounts for the star-studded exchange on the cricketing green, the ‘One World One Family Cup’ aims to resonate with the ethos of sportsmanship and solidarity. This match is not merely about reminiscing over the golden era of these cricketing legends but also about rallying behind a cause that serves humanity, echoing the age-old adage that the essence of life goes beyond the boundary ropes and into the arena of human welfare.
