The late Radhey Shyam Sharma, a dedicated and devoted cricket coach-cum-curator of the esteemed Ferozshah Kotla, Capital City’s Test venue, left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. His profound love for the game manifested in the establishment of the elite Subhania Cricket Club, which, under his tutelage, produced more than two dozen cricketers, spanning both Test and first-class arenas.
In a poignant tribute to his visionary father, Narender Sharma, an ardent cricket enthusiast, has assumed the responsibility of perpetuating the noble mission initiated by Radhey Shyam Sharma. To immortalize the memory of his revered father, Narender has meticulously organized an invitation-only cricket tournament, bereft of sponsors. The tournament’s conclusion is set to coincide with the first death anniversary of Sharma ji on January 18.
A total of 24 distinguished teams will be vying for the prestigious Radhey Shyam Sharma Memorial Trophy. The tournament adopts a limited-overs format, promising high-intensity matches that are poised to captivate cricket aficionados. The primary objective of orchestrating this tournament is to not only promote the game but also pay homage to the revered coach, providing a platform for talented young cricketers to refine their skills.
It is pertinent to underscore that Sharma occupied a pedestal place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. His exceptional contribution to the game is the driving force behind hosting this tournament, serving as a fitting tribute to his unwavering dedication and passion for cricket. Beyond a celebration of his legacy, the tournament serves as a platform for young and aspiring cricketers to showcase their talents on the cricketing stage.
Sharma’s legacy extends beyond his role as a BCCI curator for more than a decade assigned to the DDCA. Notably, he prepared the pitch where Anil Kumble achieved the historic feat of capturing all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. Under his mentorship, Subhania Club emerged as champions in the DDCA league during the 2021-22 season. Even in the autumn of his life, he ardently pursued his love for the game by creating his own cricket ground.
Sharma’s passion for cricket earned him the Unsung Hero and Lifetime Achievement Award by the FICC in 2002. As a top coach, his mission was to coach aspiring cricketers from the weaker sections of society. In his later years, he ventured into establishing the Sp Sports apparel brand, whose manufactured attire adorned the Indian cricket team. The Subhani Club, a testament to Sharma’s coaching prowess, has etched its name in the annals of Delhi cricket. Space constraints prohibit listing the approximately 150 players, including some who represented India at the Test level and others in the first-class arena, associated with Radhey Sharma’s founding of the Subhania Club six decades ago. May the flame of his memory burn bright with each passing day, inspiring generations of cricketers to come!
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