The president of the Millennium Sports Club Association Abuja (MSCA), Ramesh Ghadge, has said one of the main objectives of his organization is to make cricket popular among Nigerians. In this interview with Trust Sports, the cricket enthusiast spoke on the recently held Monsoon Cup in Abuja, how the Indian community is contributing to the growth of the game in Nigeria and why India is a powerhouse in world cricket.
What is Millennium Sports Club Association Abuja (MSCA) all about?
Millennium Sports Club Association (MSCA), is a sports association based in Abuja. Apart from being a sports association, it is also a Non- Governmental Organization (NGO). We promote sports but the main focus is on cricket. We help the less privileged people by providing cricket kits and hosting games for them. Sports in general makes people happy and when people cannot afford the basics to enjoy a game, that’s very sad. So, we try as much as possible to bring smiles to people’s faces.
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What informed your decision to organize this cricket tournament?
It was organized to promote cricket in Nigeria. The plan is to make cricket a major sport in Nigeria. We partnered with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and Cricket Club Abuja (CCA) for the Monsoon Cup. We encourage people to play cricket and are always happy to have new members at the MSCA.
Why the choice of cricket?
The organization was formed in 2019 by Indians who reside in Abuja. Cricket is the most popular sport in India, that’s why we chose it. It is a way for us to keep enjoying our most beloved sport as well as promoting it in Nigeria.
Apart from the Monsoon Cup, do you have other competitions lined up?
We organize four tournaments every year. The Millennium Cup, the just concluded Monsoon cup, the Independence Cup in August to celebrate India’s Independence Day and the Millennium Premier League late in the year. The premier league features international players. Local talents have also been developed as a result of those tournaments. This tournament featured some Nigeria players and hopefully there will be more in the future tournaments.
How satisfied are you with the turnout and the performance of the teams?
The players were amazing. They gave it their all. I was very impressed. The tournament comprised players from Nigeria, India and Pakistan. There were four teams; Millennium Kings, Millennium Eagles, CCA Panthers and CCA Tigers. The CCA Tigers emerged winners after defeating the Millennium Eagles. Shantanu Raychauduri, a team member won the award for best batsman after scoring 140 runs while Adnan Akbar from the same team, was ranked the best bowler taking seven wickets in the tournament. I’m very proud of all the players, it was very entertaining.
In which ways do you think this tournament would impact the game of cricket in Nigeria?
It will certainly provide more coverage. The word will get out there and hopefully, the interest in the game would increase. Nigerians are very passionate people. They put their hearts in everything they do. With that kind of passion, I’m sure that once more Nigerians get into cricket, the country will produce many stars.
What role did the Nigeria Cricket Federation play in this tournament?
They were one of our partners. They have been an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 2002 and are always ready to help. I’m sure the goal for them would be to win the ICC World Cup.
What is your assessment of the development of the game of cricket in Nigeria?
The game is growing. Our club is growing. We have about 45 members and more structures are being put in place to ensure more progress. We set goals for ourselves and every year we hope to get better. Sports has a huge role to play when it comes to nation-building. Also, once you are into sports, certain virtues like teamwork, ethics, and sportsmanship become lifelong qualities so the growth of cricket will certainly be a plus for Nigeria.
How is the Indian community in Nigeria contributing to the growth of cricket in Nigeria?
This is certainly one of the ways. By organizing tournaments, the Indian residents in Abuja are very supportive. I am also the president of the Indian cultural association in Abuja so that is added motivation from my side.
India has won the ICC World Cup two times. What makes the country so strong in cricket?
Just like in Nigeria where most kids dream of being football stars, in India, kids want to be cricket stars. Everyone falls in love with the sport from an early age. In the streets, it is always a topic of discussion. It is almost impossible to go a week without talking about the sport and its stars in India. It is also compulsory in schools. Cricket has brought joy to Indians so the country puts a lot of effort to ensure continued success.
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