Mumbai Indians’ clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, April 27 at the Wankhede Stadium will carry a deeper purpose beyond cricket. The fixture is the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) game — a heartfelt initiative by Mrs. Nita M. Ambani and the Reliance Foundation. Every season, the ESA match becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration, welcoming thousands of underprivileged children from NGOs across Mumbai to experience the magic of live cricket.
Ahead of the match, Mrs. Ambani addressed the MI squad, urging them to play with heart. “People who’ve been with Mumbai Indians know our next game is very special,” she said. “These children wait for years to attend one match. Please put up your best show for them.” She shared a touching story of a young girl who saved her piece of cake for her brother who had never tasted one — a moment that captured the essence of ESA.
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Mrs. Ambani reminded the players that they’re more than just athletes on the day — they are role models. “You can be the inspiration that helps these kids believe they can be whoever they dream of becoming,” she said.
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The Wankhede will host around 19,000 children on ESA Day, including 200 kids with special needs. For many, it will be their first-ever live sporting experience — a memory that may shape their dreams forever. Drenched in blue and gold, the stadium will radiate youthful energy and raw emotion, echoing cheers louder than any scoreboard can measure.
Launched in 2010, ESA is one of Reliance Foundation’s flagship social responsibility initiatives. It aims to make quality education and sports accessible to children from all walks of life. Every season, one IPL match is designated as the ESA game, aligning sport with purpose. Beyond the match, ESA’s year-round programs provide educational, cultural, and athletic opportunities to children who need it most.
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To date, Reliance Foundation’s sports programs have impacted over 23 million children and youth across India. The ESA Match stands as a glowing symbol of inclusion, aspiration, and the power of sport to transform lives. For Mumbai Indians, it’s more than just a game — it’s a celebration of courage, compassion, and dreams waiting to take flight.
