A game-changing day: Sourav Ganguly welcomes slum kids to the spirit of cricket

In a heartwarming gesture of hope and inclusion, children from the slums near Midnapore station, many of whom have lost their parents or come from families surviving through street-based ear-cleaning, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment under the dazzling lights of Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Organized by a eelfare foundation with the support of Sourav Ganguly, these children attended their first-ever live T20 match which was played again Kolkata Team and Punjab Team, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
For many of these children, who were once seen begging on pavements and are now enrolled in school through the efforts of the welfare foundation, the visit to Eden Gardens was not just a trip, it was a dream come true. With wide eyes and radiant smiles, they soaked in the electrifying atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic cricket stadiums.

On this occasion, Sourav Ganguly, Former Indian Cricketer stated, “It was a joy to see the wonder in their eyes. For many of these children from orphanages, it was their first time at Eden Gardens. Taking them to an T20 match wasn’t just about cricket, it was about giving them a memory, a dream. That’s what this game is all about.”
This inspiring event reaffirms the power of sport-not just as a game, but as a force for change, unity, and hope.