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The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL) unveiled the coveted trophy for its third season during a press conference at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on February 10, 2025. Founded in 2023, this annual men’s T10 cricket league is evolving beyond a sports competition to become a key initiative addressing global challenges related to food security and sustainability. 

The event was attended by notable figures including Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister, and Atul Wassan, former Indian cricketer. Also present were Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Association (IFCA), Shyam Sundar Agarwal, Managing Director of BikanerVala Foods, and RCL founders Arvind Kumar and Abhishek Bhatnagar. Together, they highlighted RCL’s core mission of raising awareness about food security, hunger eradication, and promoting sustainable food practices.

RCL 2025 will take place from February 17-22, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, and will feature eight teams from states across India. The competition, supported by renowned Indian brands, will incorporate a social responsibility agenda, focusing on raising awareness about food security, reducing food wastage, and promoting sustainable food practices. The tournament will also include two special charity matches on February 17, 2025, aimed at bolstering the cause of hunger eradication.

Tackling Global Food Security Challenges

The Restaurant Cricket League was established in response to the growing global concern over food wastage and hunger. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted each year.

RCL’s founders, Arvind Kumar and Abhishek Bhatnagar, emphasized that the league aims to contribute to solving the most urgent challenges in the industry. By using cricket as a platform for change, RCL hopes to spark conversations around food wastage, and promote sustainable food practices.

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Collaborating with National Initiatives to Promote Health and Sustainability

RCL 2025 also supports several of India’s key national programs aimed at improving public health and sustainability, including the Khelo India Programme, FIT India Movement, and Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana. By aligning with these initiatives, RCL is reinforcing its commitment to fostering a holistic approach to public health, fitness, and food security.

The league’s goal is to use cricket not only as a source of entertainment but also as a means to drive societal change. Through partnerships with the government and community-focused actions, RCL aims to contribute to a more sustainable future. As the world faces mounting environmental and social challenges, events like RCL play a vital role in mobilizing collective action and fostering a sense of shared responsibility toward creating a sustainable future for all.