The much-awaited 48th Lala Raghubir Singh Hot Weather Cricket Tournament is set to begin on May 20, 2025, at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, in New Delhi. This tournament is known as one of the oldest and most respected summer cricket competitions in India. Over the years, it has become a stage where young and emerging cricket talent from across the country can shine. The tournament is held in memory of Lala Raghubir Singh, the visionary founder of Modern School, who was a passionate promoter of education and sports. With each passing year, the event has grown in reputation and continues to act as a launchpad for future cricket stars.
The Lala Raghubir Singh Cricket Tournament began in the early 1970s and has remained a prestigious fixture in Delhi’s cricketing calendar ever since. It provides a competitive and challenging platform for clubs, school teams, and cricket academies, especially during the hot summer season. The tournament is known for its tough playing conditions, which test not only the skills but also the fitness and mental strength of the players. The 48th edition is expected to attract some of the top cricket academies and local clubs, with players coming in from different parts of India to compete for the title. The matches will follow the limited-overs format, and many will be live-streamed online, offering fans a chance to follow the action even if they can’t attend in person.
Modern School, located in the heart of Delhi, has proudly hosted this tournament since its beginning. The school’s lush green cricket ground, excellent pitch conditions, and modern sports facilities make it an ideal venue. The school has always believed in the all-round development of students, and promoting sports is an important part of that mission. Hosting this historic tournament reflects the school’s commitment to youth sports and tradition. Over time, Modern School has earned a name for not just academic excellence but also for nurturing young sporting talent.
What sets the Lala Raghubir Singh Cricket Tournament apart is its unique blend of tradition and competitiveness. With a legacy spanning nearly five decades, it continues to attract the best young players. Being played during the peak summer season, it also serves as a true test of physical stamina and mental focus. Unlike many other school-level tournaments, this one is known for its professional management, fair play, and high standards of organization. Young cricketers look forward to it because it often opens doors to higher-level selections and recognition.
Many famous cricketers have played in this tournament during their early years. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, ex-India star Gautam Gambhir, stylish batsman Shikhar Dhawan, and current India player Rishabh Pant are just a few names who once played here. Their success stories are a source of motivation for today’s players. By shining in this tournament, many players have caught the attention of selectors and gone on to represent Delhi at the state level, and even India at the international level.
The upcoming tournament will follow a knockout format, with 32 participating teams. Each match will be played with 40 overs per side, under the official Laws of Cricket approved by BCCI. White cricket balls will be used, and professional umpires from the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) will officiate. Matches will start early in the morning, around 7:30 AM, to avoid the harsh afternoon heat. The final match is expected to be held in mid-June, depending on weather conditions.
Young cricketers and their coaches are already buzzing with excitement. Many of them have been training hard for weeks, preparing to handle the heat and fierce competition. According to Coach Rajeev Sharma of Delhi Youth Cricket Academy, “This is not just a tournament. It’s a tradition. Every cricketer in Delhi wants to play here. It builds not only skills but also teaches pressure management and team spirit.” His words reflect how much this tournament means to the cricketing community in Delhi.
For Delhi cricket, this tournament is extremely important. The city has produced some of the finest Indian cricketers, and events like this help in keeping the talent pipeline active. While IPL and international matches attract global attention, it is at the grassroots level that players are made. The DDCA supports this tournament, and selectors often attend to spot promising players for Ranji Trophy and India Under-19 squads. It’s an opportunity that many young players take very seriously.
Spectators are welcome to attend the matches at Modern School, and entry is free. Seating arrangements are available under shaded tents, and fans can enjoy close-up views of exciting cricket action. For those who are unable to attend in person, live match updates and highlights will be shared through the tournament’s official social media handles, and some matches may also be live-streamed on YouTube or local sports channels.
Given the extreme Delhi summer, the organizers have taken several steps to ensure the safety and health of the players. Water breaks will be provided every 10 overs, and medical teams will be on standby. Ice packs, cold towels, and energy drinks will be made available to help players stay cool. All matches are scheduled to end before early afternoon, reducing the risk of heat-related issues. These steps show that while the competition is serious, player well-being remains a top priority.
This year’s tournament has also attracted several sponsors and partners. Brands from the sportswear industry, education technology, fitness drinks, and media are coming forward to support the event. Their participation highlights a growing interest in promoting grassroots-level cricket and recognizing the value of youth sports development in India.
As the 48th edition of the Lala Raghubir Singh Cricket Tournament approaches, the excitement among players, coaches, and fans is rising. With better training, more awareness, and modern facilities, this year promises to be bigger, better, and more competitive. Cricket lovers can look forward to thrilling performances, emerging pace bowlers, aggressive batting displays, and young spinners making the ball talk on dry summer pitches. Perhaps the next cricket star of India will take their first big step during this tournament.In the end, the 48th Lala Raghubir Singh Hot Weather Cricket Tournament is not just about winning matches. It’s about celebrating the spirit of cricket, the importance of discipline, and the joy of learning through sports. Hosted by Modern School, the tournament continues a legacy of nurturing young talent and building future champions. As it kicks off on May 20, the entire cricket community in Delhi will be watching, cheering, and hoping to witness greatness in action.
