Cricket legend Michael Clark kicked-off the coveted trophy tour from Barossa Valley
Bengaluru, 26 September, 2022. As a proud partner of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, that begins in October’22, Jacob’s Creek welcomed the T20 World Cup trophy to its Cellar Door grounds with cricket legend, Michael Clarke at the iconic Barossa Valley with great pomp and pride. Interestingly, Barossa Valley is also home to the world-famous creek, the namesake of Jacob’s Creek and 2022 marks 175 years since the vines were first planted at Jacob’s Creek. Hence, the inception of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy tour from the valley was a seamless fit to kick-start this cricketing affair.
The trophy tour commencement ceremony also unveiled a pop-up cricket installation, which will take over the ground until the T20 finals in November’22.
Inspired by the Jacob’s Creek vines, the cricket installation is a fun, family friendly pitch created partly from Jacob’s Creek barrels and old vines. An artistic first, the installation is open to visitors to enjoy a hit on until the end of November 2022.
Expressing his excitement, Michael Clarke, former Australian cricketer said “As an ex-Australian cricketer and fan of the game I think we have got a good enough team to win this world cup. I know what the 50-over (Trophy) feels like, and now I know what the Twenty-20 one feels like. Jacob’s Creek is an awesome sponsor. They’ve been around and involved in sport for a long period of time and the ICC have wonderful partnerships with brands like Jacob’s Creek”.
![New Delhi [India], January 9: Visually impaired cricketer and captain of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy on Tuesday was conferred with Prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous three years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy (Blind Cricket) is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports last month had announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The nominated stars received their awards from the President of India. “I am overwhelmed with this recognition. I dedicate this award to my Parents and Family members for their support. I also would like to thank Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and all the players with whom I have played,” Ajay Reddy said in a statement. Congratulating Arjuna awardee Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman- Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said “It is an honour and proud moment for all the blind cricketers across the world. It is the good recognition for the hard work and dedication in taking Cricket for the Blind to the next level through various achievements by the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the blind under the leadership of Ajay Reddy. CABI is happy that cricket for the blind is getting the recognition with other major sports.” Following the Award ceremony, Illuri Ajay Reddy, the chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and CABI secretary Shailender Yadav also met Indian pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami is also among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award on Tuesday. Illuri Ajay Reddy is currently working in SBI regional office in Bangalore. He is a B2 category player, who is representing India since 2010. He has been part of winning two ODI World Cups, 3 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup. Ajay is the captain of the Indian cricket team for the blind since 2016. Under his captaincy Team India has won 1 ODI world cup, 2 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup and the Silver Medal in IBSA World Games and many bilateral and triangular Series. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) acknowledges the great support received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through this award. The continuous support and patronage received from the esteemed ministry has helped CABI to achieve this milestone.](https://thisweekindia.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Arjuna-Award-to-Ajay-Kumar-Reddy-Captain-of-Indian-Blind-Cricket-Team-thisweekindia.png)
