Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal Cricket tournament’ now becomes one of the highest prized money tournaments of the country

55 th ‘Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal Cricket tournament’ begins from 2 nd May 2007

Lucknow , April 25 th, 2007 : Sahara City Homes under the aegis of Sahara India Pariwar today announced the commencement of the 55th annual All India ‘Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal cricket tournament’ from May 02 nd, 2007 . The tournament is one of the premier and oldest summer tournaments of the country.

‘Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal Cricket Tournament’ which has been adopted by Sahara last year now will be played on a league cum knock out basis and carries prize money of Rs 25 lacs. This makes one of the highest prized money tournament of the sub-continent.

The league matches will be played at KD Singh Babu Stadium and Chowk Stadium, while the Semi Final and Final will be played at the KD Singh Babu Stadium.

This time there will be eight teams that will battle it out for the prestigious trophy. The teams include Indian Airlines, ONGC, ITC, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Punjab Cricket Association and Sahara India . To add to the fervor of the event, there will be two International teams from Pakistan and Sri Lanka competing for the ‘Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal Cricket Tournament’. The participation of the international teams is subject to their visa formalities and other clearances from the Government Agencies. As a tribute to late Shri M Askari Hassan sahaab, Sahara has decided to name the Man of the series as ‘M. Askari Hassan Man of the Series’.

The tournament which is one of the oldest and the most acclaimed national cricket events, has seen many cricket legends playing for the Cup. Sahara has plans to develop the event as one of the major cricket tournament of the world in the coming years. This will help the development of the game at ground level and will provide the international exposure to local players from different parts of the nation.

On this occasion Shri Sushanto Roy, Head- Sahara Infrastructure and Housing said, “As a part of our commitment towards upliftment of sports, we are proud to announce the 55 th ‘Sahara City Homes Sheesh Mahal Cricket tournament’ under the aegis of Sahara City Homes. As a part of our promise we will harness all our efforts in further elevating the name and fame of the tournament where it will be seen in all its glory and splendor by not only the citizens of India but also by the citizens of the World.

Shri Abhijit Sarkar, Head-Corporate Communications, Sahara India Pariwar said, “In the words of Saharasri ji, Sports represent the most healthy, energetic and spirited facet of the society. In order to promote this healthy aspect of the society and translate Saharasri ji’s thoughts into the development of the society, Sahara India Pariwar is strongly committed to the cause of sports. In the same direction, the adoption of this tournament is to promote sports at ground level.”

Announcing the prize money to be raised to Rs. 25 lac for this year, he further said, “ Sahara has ambitious plans to make this tournament an international event and this the first step”

Sahara India Pariwar is an over Rs 50,000 crore (over 10.87 billion USD) diversified business conglomerate with business interests in Para-banking & Finance, Infrastructure & Housing, Tourism & Hospitality, Media & Entertainment. Sahara India Pariwar is an emotionally integrated family with more then 9.10 lac (0.91 million) employees and serving through its products and services to 6.10 crore (61 million) esteemed Depositors.

Sahara India Pariwar is the leading promoter of sports at In-house, local, National and International level. Sahara India Pariwar is the official sponsor of Indian Cricket Team, Indian Women’s Cricket Team, Indian Senior and Junior Hockey Teams. Sahara India Pariwar has been awarded the prestigious FICCI annual award 2002-2003 for “Outstanding Corporate Sports Initiative".

Sahara India Pariwar has always encouraged sportspersons through rewards, incentives and by associating with talented sportspersons in the company. Some of the noted Indian sportspersons who have been associated with Sahara India Pariwar are: Shri Sourav Ganguly, Ms. Jyotirmay Sikdar, Shri Kapil Dev, Shri Zaheer Khan, Shri Abhinav Bindra, Shri Gagan Ajit Singh, Shri Harbhajan Singh, Shri Yuvraj Singh, Shri Leander Peas, Shri Rahul Dravid, Ms. Sania Mirza, Shri Virendra Sehwag, Lt. Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore and Ms. Bula Chowdhury.

Sahara India Pariwar is in the process of developing the Sahara Sports Academy in Aamby Valley City- a multi disciplinary sports complex spread over 150 acres and costing approx. US$ 60 million. It is expected to be one of the best sports & fitness destinations in the World.