Shyam Bhatia cricket museum’s first ever T-shirt and cap unveiled in England

August 10, 2025

By K.R. Nayar
From Ardingly, England

Cricket enthusiast and Dubai-based businessman Shyam Bhatia unveiled his museum’s first-ever T-shirt during the ongoing G Force Cricket Academy’s 52nd tour, being held at the picturesque and historic Ardingly College in West Sussex, England. Steeped in history, the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum in Dubai is one of the world’s best museums, filled with personal memorabilia from the legends of the game. The history of each cricket-playing country and the tales of cricket are all depicted on the walls of this museum.

Shyam Bhatia unveils the Shyam Bhatia cricket museum T-shirt at Ardingly during the G Force cricket tour

Bhatia, who promotes the game by distributing cricket kits around the world, even to the remotest areas, and supports budding cricketers, deliberately chose the G Force Academy tour day at Ardingly to unveil his museum’s T-shirt and cap, and to be with budding cricketers who are eager to learn the game. Present during the unveiling were renowned coach Ian Trott, father of England’s Test star Jonathan Trott, and Gopal Jasapara, Head Coach of G Force.

Another special moment for the museum

Bhatia, who always makes sure to visit G Force camps wherever they are held, was on his third visit to this venue. He stayed back for this function after being here to watch the India-England Test series. Last season, too, Bhatia had visited this camp in Ardingly. Addressing the boys attending the camp, who are from the UAE, India, USA, Germany, Bahrain, and England, Bhatia said: “When I see you, I see the future of cricket. I see your bright eyes, your eager hearts, and amazing enthusiasm. Cricket is not a game of bat and ball; it is a game of discipline, respect, and teamwork. Everybody can play with the bat and ball, but there is a lot more to it — and that is to enjoy the game. Then sky is the limit for you.”

Shyam Bhatia speaks to the boys

Bhatia strongly believes in spreading the message about the importance of enjoying the game rather than focusing solely on the result. He said: “The most important thing is that when you are playing, you must, like today, enjoy the game. Remember, like you all, at some time or the other, all the famous cricketers too must have stood in front of somebody, listening as you are listening to me today. There is no difference between them and you. The only difference is that they have gone on to play international cricket, enjoying the game and working hard. So, in all probability, you too could be playing at the highest level in the future. Play with your heart, play with your passion, play with your hunger for the game, and then leave the rest. Enjoy this tour to the fullest.”

Shyam Bhatia presents the tour jacket to Ian Trott

Bhatia presented the T-shirt to every member on the tour, including the coaches Rajesh Ranpura and Vijayakumar. Ian Trott, who has been part of G Force tours around the world over the years, after expressing his delight at seeing some of last year’s boys as well as new faces, said: “The most important thing that you all must remember is that while you are playing cricket, you are also learning. This game teaches you discipline, but play fair and be honest, and make sure you are always enjoying the game. There will be boys with more talent — which happens — but talent alone will not take you to the top. It is the work you put in that will.” Bhatia also presented G Force’s tour medal commemorating the academy’s 52^nd tour to every player on the tour.

Ian Trott addresses the boys

Trott also shared a few invaluable lessons from his career, saying: “Every time you go to the nets, there should be a purpose. Listen to your coaches, ask questions, because a lot of you don’t ask questions. The best boys I have coached in my life are boys who have asked questions. Keep learning and never stop learning. Keep working hard and enjoy this game. People from the US, India, UAE, Germany, Bahrain, England — all are playing together — so enjoy every moment.”