Indiantelevision.com Team

(24 June 2008 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The UB Group and the Gitanjali Group have unveiled a diamond studded cricket bat, signed individually by the 1983 World Cup cricket champions at the “Lords of 83” golf event.

The bat will be auctioned in London on 25 June that also marks the silver jubilee of the landmark win for India in international cricket. The proceeds from the auction will be presented equally to all the 15 members of the 1983 winning team.

The cricket bat, adorned with 25-carat diamonds, brings out the celebrations that mark 25 years of this historical feat. Legends from the 1983 Indian cricket team, including Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Roger Binny, Syed Kirmani, Sandeep Patil, Madan Lal and P.R Mann Singh, were present at the unveiling and a game of golf.

The Gitanjali Group also unveiled a special cricket ball from its Tesoro range, laser marked with signatures of all the heroes and studded with 30 carat diamonds.

UB Group chairman Dr. Vijay Mallya said, “We have been associated with various sports for decades and have created several iconic sports events. The 1983 win was a special moment for every Indian and this is our tribute to these cricket icons and millions of cricket fans in India.”

Gitanjali Group chairman Mehul Choksi states, "Kapil Dev and his team created history at Lords in 83’. It was a match on which legends are written even today. They are the gems in the truest sense. What better than diamonds to salute the legends that bought the country its first and only World Cup glory.

“Gitanjali Group would like to be at the heart of young India. Cricket in India is more than a sport. It has a cult status, we are glad to be associated with this magnificent game that is the singular most unifying force in a diverse country like India.”

The team is touring London on 25 June where Dr. Mallya is hosting a dinner for the team at the Long Hall at Lords.