The inaugural Advocates Premier League kicked off with a grand opening ceremony and auction on 23rd August 2024 at the prestigious Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi. The event was meticulously curated by the Sports Association of Indian Lawyers, spearheaded by Mr. Mayank Wadhwa and Mr. Dheeraj Gupta. This landmark cricket tournament for legal professionals saw eight dynamic teams, with 136 talented players, battling it out in a true display of camaraderie and competitive spirit.
The auction was nothing short of spectacular, offering an electrifying experience for all team owners. For me, Bharat Sharma, as the proud owner of Bharat Sharma & Partners, this event stands as one of the most memorable experiences. The highlight of the evening was the jersey reveal, blessed by our esteemed Hon’ble Justices, adding an air of prestige to the proceedings.
The competition was divided into two pools:
Pool A: Puneet Bali Sr. Adv., Akshay Singh & Associates, Lex Chambers, Kirti Uppal Sr. Adv.
Pool B: Demetrali Legal, PS Legal, Sagar & Sagar, Bharat Sharma & Partners.
Each team played four intense matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The final showdown took place at Jamia Millia Islamia on 2nd October 2024. It was an exhilarating day, with both Gold and Silver Cups contested by the best teams. Although winning the trophies was significant, the true victory lay in the friendships and bonds we forged off the field. Sharing the ground with my brothers from the same fraternity, teasing each other after a six, and celebrating each moment, this tournament brought us closer in ways that go beyond the courtroom.
For those who didn’t make it to the finals, it may have felt like hard luck, but being part of this journey was itself a win. The spirit of sportsmanship transcended the trophies and the scores. It was an honor for me to bowl to Justice Banerjee during the finals—an unforgettable moment as he demonstrated his love for the game and true sportsmanship.
A special acknowledgment goes to Mr. Sachin Puri, a man of immense generosity and vision. His efforts in organizing such an impactful event deserve high praise. He has brought a unique opportunity for lawyers to bond through sports, a gesture that will be remembered for years.
My heartfelt thanks also go to Mayank bhai and Dheeraj bhai for their flawless management and tireless dedication. Without their efforts, this tournament would not have been the incredible success it was.
I must also commend the team owners and players who took time out of their busy schedules to make this event a reality. Playing cricket with such commitment, even during weekends, was a testament to the dedication we all share, both on and off the field.
Looking forward, I believe tournaments like this should be held twice a year, as they foster friendships and connections that extend far beyond the boundaries of the cricket ground. To all my colleagues, team members, and friends—this is our victory, and these memories will stay with us forever.
Here’s to the Advocates Premier League, a tournament that has left an indelible mark on all of us!