In a remarkable tribute to sports history and cultural pride, former Indian Revenue Service officer Deepak Pandit, who served as Selector, Manager, and PRO for the 1996 Junior World Cup Indian Cricket Team, hosted an unforgettable event titled Heroes of the Lord’s 1996 at NMIMS, Mukesh Patel Auditorium, Mumbai. Nearly thirty years after India’s Junior team triumphed over Pakistan to claim the Junior World Cup at Lord’s, England, the champions of that victory gathered to relive the exhilarating spirit of their achievement. This commemorative celebration, conceptualized by Deepak Pandit, united prominent figures from Indian cricket and notable personalities from the arts, music, and film industries, transforming the evening into a unique blend of sports and entertainment.
Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs for the Government of Maharashtra, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, joining the audience in celebrating the 1996 team’s remarkable accomplishment. Captain Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Vice-Captain Mohammad Kaif, and Coach Sarkar Talwar, along with the entire victorious squad, received accolades, prompting standing ovations from the packed auditorium. The event featured dynamic performances and appearances from esteemed artists such as Kunal Ganjawala, Suresh Wadkar, Talat Aziz, Neeraj Shridhar, and lyricist Sameer, who infused glamour into the festivities. The evening also showcased video messages from legendary cricketers and Bollywood stars, enhancing the atmosphere of pride and nostalgia.
Mohammad Kaif added a personal touch by reflecting on his cricketing journey, stating, “I want to share how my journey as a cricketer began. I come from Uttar Pradesh, one of the most densely populated states in India, where countless talented players aspire to make a mark.
If I had not been selected for the India Juniors Cricket Team and played this crucial match, I may never have gained recognition in my state.” He further remarked, “This victory gave me the right direction and became the foundation of my journey, from the Juniors Indian Cricket Team to the State Team, then the Ranji Trophy, and eventually representing India.” Cultural performances, curated audio-visual segments, and heartfelt tributes defined the essence of the evening, culminating in the recognition of the 1996 champions, symbols of resilience, determination, and unity. The Kashmiri Pandit Association of Maharashtra (KPA) and the Shri Sathya Sai Organisation presented special segments highlighting their cultural and social initiatives, reinforcing the message that sports and service are interconnected.
The event concluded on an emotional note with a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Deepak Pandit shared his vision for the event, stating, “This celebration was born from my desire to remind the nation of a glorious yet forgotten chapter in our sporting history. In 1996, our Juniors Indian Cricket Team created history by defeating Pakistan at Lord’s to win the Junior World Cup. At that time, there was no social media, and only a few newspapers covered their achievement.
My purpose was to bring these heroes back into the spotlight after nearly 30 years, so that India and the world can know and honour their contribution.” With its harmonious combination of sporting nostalgia and cultural richness, Heroes of the Lord’s 1996 served as a heartfelt tribute to India’s cricketing legacy and the unifying nature of sports and art, making it an evening to be cherished for years to come.