The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) held its Premier League - Open Box Cricket Tournament at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Piplod, Surat, on 3rd and 4th June 2023. The event saw a strong turnout from various industrial associations and corporations. The tournament was inaugurated by former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel on Saturday, and other notable guests included Anand Desai, Managing Director of Anupam Rasayan India Limited, Santosh Mundda, Executive Director of Hazira Projects, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS), and Girish Luthra of the Luthra Group.
The tournament's closing ceremony took place on Sunday, 4th June, at 9:00 pm, with Gujarat's Minister of Sports, Youth Services, and Home Affairs at the state level, Harshbhai Sanghvi, attending as the chief guest. Sanghvi spurred the players on, stepping onto the field in a show of encouragement.
Chamber President Himanshu Bodawala highlighted the tournament's aim to use cricket as a conduit for fostering relationships among industrialists, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and professionals, thereby facilitating better business networking. This, he hoped, would spur industry growth and development.
Ramesh Vaghasia, the President-elect of the Chamber, extended his gratitude to all attendees during the opening ceremony. Also present were elected Vice President Vijay Mewawala, then President Ashish Gujarati, and Honorary Minister Bhavesh Taylor. Group Chairman Nikhil Madrasi and Anchor Tripti Shroff officiated the inaugural function.
The tournament saw a total of 20 teams participating. The first semi-final was contested between Anupam Rasayan and the Press Team, and the second semi-final was between The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the South Gujarat Solar Association. In the end, Anupam Rasayan India Limited emerged as the champions, with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India finishing as runners-up.
