Defending champions Karnatak SA will launch the defence of their title against MCA Colts in the opening Group-A league match of the prestigious ‘70th Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament’, at the KSA ground, Cross Maidan on Saturday. The Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. is the sponsors of this coveted tournament this year.
Meanwhile, hosts Mumbai Police will take on Sponsors XI (Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd) in a Group-C match at the Police Gymkhana.
Shri. D.D. Padsalgikar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai who is also the Chairman of this tournament will inaugurate this tournament on Saturday at 12.15 p.m. at the Police Gymkhana.
A total of 16 teams have been divided into four groups of four teams each and the initial rounds be played on a league basis at different venues. The league matches will be of 70 overs duration.
The topper of each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be played over two days. The winners will clash in the finals, which will consist of two innings each team and over three days. The first inning will be of 90 overs and the second innings will be of 40 overs.
All the Matches are to be played as per the New Model Rules of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
The Groupings: Group A: Karnatak SA, MCA Colts, Payyade SC, New Hind Sporting Club.
Group B: MIG CC, Dr. D.Y. Patil SA, P.J. Hindu Gymkhana, Islam Gymkhana.
Group C: Mumbai Police, Sponsors XI, Dadar Union Sporting Club, Sind Sports Club.
Group D: Bombay Gymkhana, Parsee Gymkhana, Cricket Club of India, Parkophene Cricketers.
First round fixtures: Group-A: Karnatak SA vs MCA Colts (at KSA Ground).
Payyade SC vs New Hind Sporting Club (at New Hind Sporting Club ground).
Group-B: MIG Cricket Club vs Dr. D.Y. Patil SA (at National CC).
Hindu Gymkhana vs Islam Gymkhana (at Hindu Gym).
Group-C: Mumbai Police vs Sponsors XI (at Mumbai Police Gymkhana).
Dadar Union Sporting Club vs Sind Sports Club (at Fort Vijay).
Group-D: Bombay Gymkhana vs Parsee Gymkhana (at Parsee Gymkhana).
Cricket Club of India vs Parkophene Cricketers (at CCI).