By Mahadev Desai
(Original Article HERE)

December 2017

Bruce Cotterman and Mark Pierson (not pictured) presented a commemorative plaque to Hon. Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. (Photo: Mahadev Desai)

The second annual India vs. U.K. Cricket Cup match between the British American Business Council (BABC) and the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) was played at Oglethorpe University’s soccer field on Sunday, November 12, 2017.

The two teams’ players donning official uniforms (BABC in orange color) and (GIACC in blue), flanked by two West Indian umpires, Oral Simpson and Conrad Rogers, posed for group photographs and introductions by their respective captains. Despite very cold and cloudy weather, the match began promptly at 12:30 pm when India’s opening pair of Rohan and Rishi walked to the crease. West Indian cricket commentator Enos Phillips (from Guyana) engaged the spectators with his fluent, crisp, and often amusing ball by ball commentary. India team made a slow start but later increased the pace with a flurry of shots by Rohan Dabir who scored 22 runs off 22 balls. But runs came slowly in just ones and twos. Due to drizzle, play stopped after six overs when India was 64/1. The players and spectators used the break to enjoy snacks and hot coffee/tea. Due to weather and time constraint, it was decided to play 14 instead of 20 overs match. Rishi retired after scoring 13. And Gautam stepped in. He hit a few crisp drives but got out for 19. Ketan, Tanmay, Sapan, Ashish, and Jinish batted but none could score against England team's bowlers Farrakh, Tom, Adeel, Andi, and Gordon. Three batsmen retired. England threw away 29 runs in extras! GIACC closed its innings at 109/3.

BABC opened their batting turn with Jagdish and Andy. The start was even slower than GIACC’s. Ramu got an early wicket of Jagdish. Rohan bowled Andy. Captain Carl got out for a naught. Wickets fell at brief intervals and BABC were 50/4 after 8 overs. But Guy walked in and blasted a flurry of shots all over the field. He hit three huge sixes and four fours! He was severe on Gautam taking 16 runs off his over! There was nail-biting suspense as BABC edged near century mark. But Guy fell in the final 14th over when he was 54. BABC could score only 96/7. But it was an exciting finish compared to last year's match. For GIACC, Rohan took two wickets for 13 runs, and Ramu got two wickets, including Guy's for 21 runs.

After the match, all headed for the Hearst Hall for Reception and Awards Ceremony. GIACC President Mark Pierson declared it a fantastic match to watch, despite the weather. “We got it done! We had a great time and a great reception.” He thanked the sponsors. Title sponsor Atul Deshmukh (Captain, GIACC), of KNAV, an international assurance and accounting practice, thanked British Consul General in Atlanta, Hon. Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford for gracing the reception and BABC for being a great partner. The Consul General of India could not attend, but it was good to have Bikash Kumar from the Consulate on the team!

Anita Ninan, international business attorney with Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP and a GIACC Board member, had arranged for the reception with Indian and British food and beverages. The Arnall Golden Gregory law firm partners with BABC in helping UK companies and Indian companies coming into the USA. “What better community camaraderie than cricket,” she said, “that unites both India and the United Kingdom."

For the second year Future Tech sponsored the elegant uniforms for the BABC team. Its Director Anj Balusu said that Future Tech has been in Atlanta 20 years, and supporting cricket for more than a decade. Future Tech is an IT and outsourcing Company with $100 million in revenues and over 1,000 employees. It also supports other deserving causes.

BABC Captain Carl Newton presented the quintessential cricket shirt for the BABC to British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. BABC President Bruce Cotterman commended the organizers of the match, which he said was phenomenal. “We brought the English weather with us,” he quipped. “It was a fabulous match, second year, and we will be looking forward to the third year. Both teams—great job. The food was delicious. Watch out next year! (Laughter) Thank you.” Bruce presented a plaque to British Consul General for his help and participation. Hon. Jeremy said that two years ago, he, Mark, and Nagesh Singh came up with the idea of a cricket match between BABC and GIACC. "I enjoyed the match and also to see that the British team is on an upward trajectory. We were only 13 runs away from victory. We will thrash you next year! (Laughter). Next year, maybe a match in spring."

BABC Captain Carl said that there is lot of work involved in organizing the match and he commended everyone for their help. “Congratulations to GIACC. Well played." Mark thanked Amber Mehta, Practice Director of International Assurance and Accounting Advisory at KNAV International, and also the Treasurer of GIACC, for the proactive role he played in organizing the event, and also complimented Exec. Dir. of BABC, Lindsay McCabe, for helping with the logo on the BABC shirt.

GIACC's Captain Atul praised the performance of BABC team, especially batsman Guy. "Great show. Fantastic bowling. Good fielding, too. We look forward to maybe two games—one in spring and one in fall."

Pierson then recognized and thanked the two umpires, Oral Simpson and Conrad Rogers, and Commentator Enos Phillips. Tanmay helped out as a score-keeper. Media was represented by Mahadev Desai and Anjali Chhabria from TVAsia. 

While Conrad announced the names of the awardees, British Consul General Jeremy presented the trophies:
Best Batsman: Guy Goosen
Best Bowler: Ramu
Man of the Match: Rohan graciously invited Guy to join him on stage while receiving his award.
Finally all cheered and clapped enthusiastically as GIACC Captain Atul was presented the Winning Team trophy.

  

Both teams along with coaches and umpires posing with British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. (Photo: Arpit Padhiar)