Brighton, United Kingdom: The historic Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove, hosted a memorable celebration of cricketing heritage during the International Women’s One-Day match between the India A Women’s Cricket Team and the England A Women’s Cricket Team. The occasion, celebrated as “Ranji Day,” paid tribute to the enduring legacy of H.H. Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, one of cricket’s greatest pioneers whose remarkable association with Sussex County Cricket Club transformed the sport and strengthened the historic cricketing ties between India and England.

Founded in 1839, Sussex County Cricket Club is recognized as the oldest county cricket club in England and proudly carries the motto, “The First First-Class County.” Modern cricket is widely believed to have originated in the counties of Sussex and Kent, making the venue an ideal setting to celebrate the legacy of Prince Ranjitsinhji, who remains one of Sussex’s greatest cricketing legends.

Prior to the match, distinguished guests had the opportunity to meet both the India A and England A squads and joined players and supporters for a commemorative group photograph celebrating sportsmanship, friendship, and the shared cricketing heritage of the two nations.

During the lunch interval, Anju Chauhan, Trustee of the Sussex Cricket Museum, arranged a special guided tour of the museum following its recent refurbishment. Museum Curator Keith Ridge shared the rich history of Sussex cricket while visitors viewed the historic photograph album presented to the museum by H.H. Ranjitsinhji in 1907, along with several rare photographs, memorabilia, and treasured artefacts associated with the legendary cricketer.

On the occasion, World Book of Records CEO Santosh Shukla and Mahendrasinh C. Jadeja, Chairman – International Business & Trade Affairs, South Asian Chamber of Commerce & Industry honoured officials of Sussex County Cricket Club in recognition of their invaluable contribution to preserving cricket’s rich heritage. The event was coordinated by Hetal Upadhya, with support from INT Group of Companies and Jalaram Dabawala – Rocks Printing India.

The celebration was attended by several distinguished members of the community, including Chandrakant Mehta, P. Ravichandran and family, Vijay Mehta, Chairman of Mefcom Group and Honorary Consul General of Romania, along with trustees, museum officials, and cricket enthusiasts.

A special note of appreciation was extended to Anju Chauhan for her exceptional coordination, hospitality, and dedication in organising every aspect of the visit. Her efforts ensured that the celebration of “Ranji Day” was conducted with dignity while promoting the remarkable legacy of H.H. Kumar Ranjitsinhji for future generations.

The celebrations concluded on a high note as the India A Women’s Cricket Team registered a convincing six-wicket victory over England A, making the historic occasion even more memorable. The ceremony reaffirmed that cricket is far more than a sport—it is a powerful bridge connecting nations, cultures, traditions, and generations through friendship, respect, and a shared legacy that continues to inspire the cricketing world.