Dubai: It’s not cricket all the way for Mumbai Indians team. Though their team is hailed as one of the strongest in the Pepsi Indian Premier League 2014 with legendary former players Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble as icon and mentor respectively, they also strive to reach out to the common man.
Mumbai are spreading the message of Education For All (EFA) under their social-cause initiative led by team owner Nita M. Ambani. This year they have helped nine underprivileged children realise a dream by flying them out here to watch Mumbai Indians in action.
The youngsters from Mumbai-based Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to Dubai as part of the tour and to watch the team’s match against Royal Challenges Bangalore on Saturday.
On Friday, seven youngsters spoke about the NGOs they represent and interacted with their favourite Mumbai Indians players and support staff.
On Saturday, the children will don the team’s blue-and-gold colours and be at the Dubai International Stadium to cheer on their heroes.
“The visit of these kids to Dubai is first step for this season of the EFA initiative, and will culminate in dedicating an entire match for the cause, when Mumbai Indians will play their first home match in Wankhede Stadium on May 3.
“Around 18,000 to 20,000 underprivileged children from various NGOs across the State of Maharashtra are expected to be at the Wankhede Stadium to watch the match on May 3,” revealed a Mumbai Indians official.
Last year, Mumbai Indians had 11,000 such children from the society at the Wankhede on April 13 when the entire team played for the EFA cause — a record which found its mention in the latest Limca Book of Records.
To spread awareness, the management at Mumbai Indians have dedicated the shoulder spot (non-leading arm) on the team’s jersey to an EFA logo, avoiding giving the commercial space to any sponsor. For the Mumbai Indians icon Sachin Tendulkar’s jersey, the EFA logo can be spotted on his chest.
