Indian Grameen Cricket League begins in Saifai

Lucknow, Dec 29 (IANS) A tennis ball cricket tournament - the Indian Grameen Cricket League (IGCL) - has been inaugurated by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at his native Saifai village.

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The 15-over tournament, which began Sunday, has 16 teams participating from across the country and is an integral part of the 14-day Saifai Mahotsava that is held every year in memory of Ranvir Singh, the late nephew of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The chief minister himself played cricket for a while to mark the beginning of the tournament. Addressing the gathering, Yadav said the start of the tournament this year was aimed at providing a national platform to rural youngsters to display their cricketing talent.

"It is commendable that without the necessary infrastructure and facilities like that of a coach, playing ground, these youngsters have carried forward their sporting talent," Yadav said.