Mumbai Indians to host 19,000 underprivileged children at Wankhede Stadium for special ESA match against Lucknow Super Giants
Apr 26, 2025
MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians' (MI) upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday - April 27 - will serve a greater purpose beyond the competitive rivalry of the game.
The MI vs LSG match will be dedicated to the Education and Sports for All (ESA) initiative, championed by Nita M. Ambani, as thousands of children from NGOs across Mumbai will have the time of their life enjoying a swashbuckling game.
Talking abut numbers, around 19,000 children from various NGOs supported by Reliance Foundation across Mumbai - which includes 200 children with special needs, will fill the stands in Mumbai Indians' blue and gold colours. For most of these children, this will be their first-ever live cricket experience.
Speaking to the Mumbai Indians team led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of this special game, Nita M. Ambani said, "People who have been with Mumbai Indians know our next game is very special, we have underprivileged children coming, and the energy is really special. So please, put up your best show for them. They wait for years in line to get to come and see one match."
Recounting a touching moment from a previous ESA Day, she said, "I was sitting in the stands with all of them, and this girl wasn't eating much. She was picking on her food. I asked her why, and she said, 'I'm saving it for my brother, because he's never tasted cake in his life.' These are the things that we want to support. We want to inspire these kids, that in spite of coming from different backgrounds, you can achieve wonders."
The ESA initiative, launched in 2010, represents a collaboration between Reliance Foundation (the CSR arm of Reliance Industries Limited) and Mumbai Indians. It aims to make education and sports accessible to children from all backgrounds, empowering young minds and inspiring ambition.
Each IPL season, Mumbai Indians dedicate one match to this cause, creating an opportunity for thousands of underprivileged children to experience the thrill of live cricket while promoting the importance of education and sports in their lives.
Beyond the annual IPL match, the ESA initiative supports year-round activities providing educational, sports, and cultural experiences to children from underprivileged communities. Since its inception, Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives have positively impacted over 23 million children and youth across the country.
Urging the players to make the day extra special, she added: "This is a very special game me and for all of you who have been a part of this for many years. You can be the inspiration for these children and show them that they can be whatever they dream to be."
Having won 5 and lost 4 games in this year's campaign, the Mumbai Indians currently lie fourth at the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points from 9 games.
