In the much-anticipated conclusion of the inaugural Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL), cricket fans across the globe will witness a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams, VVIP Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai Champions. The veteran cricket tournament, which has brought back to the field some of the game’s beloved retired players, will culminate in an epic finale on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida.
The road to the final has been a showcase of skill, experience, and nail-biting finishes. Mumbai Champions, led by the dashing Virender Sehwag, surged into the final with a commanding performance against Red Carpet Delhi in the first semi-final. Powering their way to an imposing total of 253 runs, Mumbai’s batsmen left no stone unturned in setting up a formidable challenge. Sehwag’s ensemble then backed their effort with the bat by skilfully restricting Delhi to a score 60 runs shy of the target.
On the other side of the draw, VVIP Uttar Pradesh edged out Chhatisgarh Warriors in yet another high-scoring semi-final. The heroics of Pawan Negi, who blasted a blistering 93 runs from just 50 deliveries, were pivotal in UP’s journey to the final match. After setting a competitive total of 193 runs, the bowlers delivered a united front, clinching a victory as they held the Warriors to 175.
As the finals draw near, the anticipation for this grand cricketing battle has reached fever pitch. The match promises to be a star-studded affair with VVIP Uttar Pradesh’s roster featuring the talents of captain Suresh Raina, Dan Christian, and Chris Mpofu, among others. Similarly, the Mumbai Champions, besides their dynamic captain Sehwag, boast experience and firepower in the likes of Phil Mustard and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala.
The grand finale of Sunday’s match will commence with live coverage starting at 5:45 PM IST. Cricket enthusiasts can brace themselves for the first ball at 6 PM IST. Fans across the country and beyond can tune in to watch these legends resurrect their magic on the cricket field live on DD Sports and EuroSport on television. Furthermore, streaming options are available with live coverage provided on the FanCode app and website.
The VVIP Uttar Pradesh squad, skilfully led by the much-admired Suresh Raina, comprises a mix of international and seasoned domestic players, each bringing their unique experience to the team. Their squad includes the likes of Rajat Bhatia, Anureet Singh, Parvinder Singh, and several others who are eager to add this prestigious title to their names. Their reserve players, such as Sachin Rawal and Sonu Nagar, stand ready to step in if called upon.
Facing them, the Mumbai Champions, captained by the explosive Sehwag, possess a blend of international and local talents. The roster includes players who have shown exceptional talent in various leagues over the years, such as Peter Trego, Pankaj Singh, and Iqbal Abdulla. With reserve players like Uttam Daga, Lokesh Jain, and Mahesh Singh, the squad has depth and versatility.
The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex eagerly awaits hosting this momentous event, where one team will emerge as the champions of the first Indian Veteran Premier League. Amid the excitement and highly charged atmosphere, two teams, packed with veteran maestros, will reignite old rivalries and create new memories. This final promises not just to be a clash of two teams, but a celebration of the sport, a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket and its heroes.
As the nation prepares to witness this historic contest, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will lift the trophy? Will Raina’s tactical acumen prevail, or will Sehwag’s aggressive leadership take the Mumbai Champions across the finish line? Only time will tell as these two giants of the game go head-to-head in a contest that is certain to be etched in the annals of veteran’s cricket.
