Narra Mahesh literally eats, breathes and sleeps cricket and his irrefutable passion for the game brings him from Ghana to Vijayawada to play in the annual Power League organised by Krishna District Cricket Association.

In fact his club – Everest Cricket Club –won the Power League for three consecutive years and it is his club which introduced professionalism into city cricket by inducting Ranji Trophy players in their team for a price. In a low-scoring final, Everest CC defeated Royal in the final recently at Mulapadu.

Mr. Mahesh, who runs an import and export enterprise – MKNG Traders – at Accra, capital city of Ghana, is also busy developing cricket there by actively participating in local tournaments.

His club – Everest CC – won a couple of major leagues and tournaments in Ghana and it is backed by sponsors like Golden Dragon Casinos and Agarwal Eye Hospitals. “Three Ghanaian national players — David Ankara, Simon Ateeq and Vincent Ateeq — are in our team,” says Mahesh.

He says his club comprised players of Andhra Pradesh settled in Accra for several years. “The local leagues are fiercely competed there. Other communities such as Patels and Malayalis also have their own teams.” Many cricket buffs and administrators feel that the innovative step taken by Everest CC saw many other clubs packing their playing eleven with professional players.

Gets competitive

“Vijayawada’s Power League is no longer a run-off-the-mill competition. Following our footsteps other clubs are spending money to make their outfits competitive with quality players. For youngsters playing and against the experienced players it is a learning curve,” says Girish Varadharajan, who manages Everest Cricket Club at Accra.

Mr. Girish says the professionalism attracted the sponsors to the league. “Hotel Midcity, Chandana Brothers, Twills, Ramyam Intel and MKN Ventures have pitched in enthusiastically. We gave star hotel accommodation to all players and took care of all their travel needs.”

However, Mr. Mahesh wants the announcement of the Power League two months in advance so that clubs can take up their preparation. “Of late there is uncertainty over the league. A prior schedule will be helpful especially for a club which operating away from India.”

Mr. Mahesh came from Australia to Vijayawada, his native place, to hone his cricketing skills and graduate as a first class cricketer. His efforts paid off as gradually he went on play junior State teams and also in Butchi Babu Tournament. He was in the stand-bye in the Ranji Trophy team and unfortunately an injury brought an abrupt end to his fledging career.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by J C Shridharan / Vijayawada – February 02nd, 2017