FROM THE PLAYING FIELD TO THE FOOD PLATE:THE GREAT FESTIVAL OF SPORTS, CULTURE AND SOCIAL SERVICE – RESTAURANT CRICKET LEAGUE 2025 FROM FEB 17 

• RCL moves forward with the inspiration of the Prime Minister an initiative to prevent food wastage and provide food to the needy.
• Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Hon’ble MP and Former Union Minister said; RCL 2025 is a unique tri- segment of Sports, Food and Social Service.
• Representation of diverse culinary culture of India – eight teams, which reflect the food heritage of different states
• Extensive support of Hon’ble Union Ministers, Cricketers, Celebrity Chefs, Olympians, Influencers, Corporates & Community Organizations at large.
• Main objective: Accelerate efforts to eliminate hunger in line with Hon’ble PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat & United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 of Zero Hunger by 2030.
• Featuring Two high profile charity matches on Opening Day
• Donating 100 meals to the needy for every 10 runs scored in the league.

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL), supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is all set to redefine the role of cricket from a source of entertainment to a driver of societal change. The 3rd edition of this national level tournament scheduled to be held from 17th to 22nd February 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, will be an unprecedented amalgamation of sports, food and social service demonstrating the transformative power of sport for collective action. Its main objectives are to raise awareness about food security, hunger eradication, sustainable food practices & collaboration for impact. The Coveted trophy of RCL 2025 was unveiled at a press conference held at the Constitution Club of Delhi. Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha), former Union Minister & Chairman Governing Council, RCL – Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, former Indian cricketer and league director Shri Atul Wassan, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) President – Chef Manjit Singh Gill, Managing Director of Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd Shri. Shyam Sundar Aggarwal, and RCL founders Shri Arvind Kumar and Shri Abhishek Bhatnagar, Shri Anand Gupta, Managing Director Nathu Sweets, Dr. Gurmeet Singh were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Rudy said that RCL is moving ahead with the inspiration of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During his highly popular radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Hon’ble PM had expressed his deep concerns about food security and food wastage calling it not only a serious social issue, but also terming it as sheer indifference towards the society and injustice to the poor. In this context, Shri Rudy praised the ‘Hunger Free Bharat Mission’, which is playing an important role in preventing food wastage and providing food to the needy.

RCL founder Shri. Arvind Kumar informed that eight teams are participating in the 2025 edition of the league supported by reputed Indian brands. Representing the diverse culinary culture of India, Team Andhra Pradesh Mirchies is represented by Molecule Air Bar, Team Delhi Daawats is represented by Bikanervala, Team Gujarat Dhoklas is represented by Balaji Wafers, Team Jammu & Kashmir Kahwas is represented by Nathu Sweets, Team Maharashtra Modak is represented by Mansh Bakelogy, Team Rajasthan Daal Baati is represented by Jaipur Adda, Team Uttar Pradesh Kachauris is represented by the Constitution Club of India, and Team Uttarakhand Gulthiaz is represented by Belle-La Monde Hotels. RCL founder Shri Abhishek Bhatnagar said that two special charity matches will be organized on 17th February, featuring celebrity chefs & leading social media influencers highlighting the shared responsibility of all Indians to address critical issues like hunger and food wastage. By turning every boundary into a step toward a better tomorrow, 100 nutritious meals will be thoughtfully provided to those in need for every 10 runs scored at RCL!

Highlighting that food insecurity and malnutrition are among the most serious challenges facing the world today, former union minister Shri Rudy said that RCL 2025 will create a powerful legacy-one where cricket not only entertains but also empowers, unites, and drives meaningful change for a better and sustainable future.

The league is supported by 17 socially influential personalities including Olympic Medallist Shri. Yogeshwar Dutt, Celebrity Chef and Master-Chef India winner Chef Shipra Khanna & 36 popular social media influencers. Together with its’ Social Impact Partner The Adi Bodh Foundation, RCL is dedicated to the Hunger Free Bharat Mission – a transformative national initiative that aims to address the complex dimensions of hunger and food security through a multi- pronged strategies whilst supporting the Hon’ble PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat & United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 of Zero Hunger by 2030. RCL Founders Shri. Arvind Kumar and Shri. Abhishek Bhatnagar jointly stated that The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL) is an annual men’s T10 cricket league founded in 2023 with an aim to raise awareness on food security, reduce wastage & facilitate creation of food banks – ensuring free access to safe, hygienic & adequate food for the needy sections of the society. Themed “Serving Change, Delivering Impact and Uniting Communities”, the 3rd edition of RCL is not just another cricket league, but a true symbol of social revolution.

Hon’ble Union Ministers Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Hon’ble MP & former Union Ministers Shri Rajiv Shukla, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani & Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha, former MP Shri Malook Nagar and many other national leaders are confirmed to grace the Restaurant Cricket League 2025 during 17th to 22nd February.