In a grand celebration of sporting achievement and national pride, India’s 1996 Junior World Cup cricket team was honoured at the ‘Heroes of Lord’s’ event in Mumbai. The ceremony took place at NMIMS, Mukesh Patel Auditorium, in the presence of Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s Minister of Cultural Affairs. The event was organized by Deepak Pandit, former Assistant Commissioner of Customs & GST, and former Selector, Manager, and PRO of the Indian Junior Cricket Team.

The 1996 Junior Indian Cricket Team made history by defeating Pakistan to win the Junior World Cup at Lord’s, England. Key figures from the team, including Captain Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Vice-Captain Mohammad Kaif, and Coach Sarkar Talwar, were felicitated during the event. The gathering featured notable personalities from sports, politics, and entertainment. Performers and attendees included singers Kunal Ganjawala, Suresh Wadkar, Talat Aziz, Neeraj Shridhar, Sameer, and actress Shikha Malhotra. Virtual greetings were also received from various sports legends and Bollywood celebrities.

A special segment highlighted the contributions of the Kashmiri Pandit Association of Maharashtra and the Shri Sathya Sai Organisation, showcasing their cultural, social, and spiritual initiatives. The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. Speaking at the event, Deepak Pandit said, “The victory at Lord’s in 1996 was more than just a trophy—it symbolized Indian grit, teamwork, and determination. Tonight is a tribute to that spirit and to the players who made the nation proud.”

Vice-Captain Mohammad Kaif reflected, “Reuniting after so many years brings back cherished memories—the hard work, passion, and joy of seeing the tricolour fly high. We were just boys then, but our hearts always beat for India.” Minister Ashish Shelar shared photos from the event on X, writing, “Honoured to be part of ‘Heroes of the Lord’s - 1996’ at NMIMS, Mumbai, celebrating the victorious Junior Indian Cricket Team that triumphed over Pakistan at Lord’s, alongside the Kashmiri Pandit Association and Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation for their remarkable contributions.” He also noted the celebration of PM Modi’s 75th birthday.