The Royals Cricket Cup 2024, one of India’s largest inter-school competitions for girls, concluded on November 8 with a thrilling finale at the RCA Ground, Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur. In an exciting match, the team from Bikaner emerged victorious over Kota to clinch the championship. Bikaner took home the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while the runner-up team from Kota received ₹50,000.
The grand finale witnessed an impressive turnout, with hundreds of enthusiastic supporters and fans filling the stadium to cheer on the young athletes. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Sports Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Secretary of Sports Mr. Neeraj K Pawan, and Rajasthan Royals’ Head Coach Mr. Rahul Dravid. Their presence was a significant source of inspiration for the young cricketers, underscoring the importance of promoting girls’ participation in sports.
Continuing their commitment to social impact, the Royal Rajasthan Foundation announced that, in line with their pledge from last year, they will light up 91 houses over the next year, matching the 91 boundaries hit during the finale. This initiative is part of the franchise’s campaign, the Pink Promise which supports and enables empowered women.
Jake Lush McCrum, CEO of Rajasthan Royals, expressed his delight at the event’s success, stating, “This tournament represents our dedication to empowering young girls through cricket. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed today from both the players and the crowd were truly inspiring. Congratulations to the Bikaner team on a well-deserved victory, and to all the participants for making this tournament a grand success. We are committed to providing platforms where young talents can shine and showcase their skills. It’s also a privilege to continue our Pink Promise Campaign by lighting up 91 houses over the coming year as a direct outcome of the finale.”
Rahul Dravid, Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals, shared his thoughts, saying, “Seeing these young girls play with such passion and determination is a reminder of the bright future of women’s cricket in India. Tournaments like the Royals Cricket Cup not only provide exposure but also instil confidence in these athletes to dream big. Congratulations to the champions and all the teams for their hard work and spirit.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the event featured vibrant musical performances by local talents, including a popular college band and celebrated singer Swaroop Khan. The lively entertainment added a celebratory note to the evening, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The Royals Cricket Cup 2024 has once again demonstrated Rajasthan Royals’ commitment to fostering grassroots talent and supporting the growth of women’s cricket in the region. With this season’s success, the franchise looks forward to continuing its efforts in empowering the next generation of female cricketers.
(With inputs from Press Release)