Leading cricketers, representing 16 top teams from the city, will be seen in action during the 74th Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament 2020-2021, which is scheduled to commence from Saturday, November 27, 2021. This prestigious tournament, sponsored by Automotive Manufacturing Pvt. Limited and organized under the auspices of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), will be played at different venues across Mumbai.
The teams that will be vying for the top honours in this competition include defending champions Payyade Sports Club and runners-up Cricket Club of India. The other strong contenders are Sponsors XI, Parkophene Cricketers, MIG CC, Parsee Gymkhana, Islam Gymkhana, Bombay Gymkhana, P.J. Hindu Gymkhana, New Hind Sporting Club, National CC, Karnatak SA, Shivaji Park Gymkhana, MCA Colts, Sainath Sports Club, and hosts Mumbai Police Gymkhana.
The teams have been divided into four groups and the matches initially will be played on a league basis. The matches will be played over 70-overs format over three weekends. The top team from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on December 18 and 19 and the 3-day grand finale is scheduled from December 24 to 26.
Reigning champs Payyade will clash with New Hind SC in the opening Group-A match. Last editions runners-up Cricket Club of India will meet former champs MIG Cricket Club in a Group-B encounter. Hosts Mumbai Police Gymkhana open their campaign against Karnatak SA in Group-D.
All the Matches will be played as per the New Model Rules of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
The groupings — Group-A: Payyade SC, New Hind SC, Sponsor XI, Islam Gymkhana.
Group-B: Cricket Club of India, MIG CC, National CC, P.J. Hindu Gymkhana.
Group-C: Parsee Gymkhana, Bombay Gymkhana, Sainath SC, Shivaji Park Gymkhana.
Group-D: Karnatak SA, Parkophene Cricketers, MCA Colts and Mumbai Police Gymkhana.