MUMBAI: The Royals Sports Group-owned IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals today unveiled their initiative, ‘Pink Pitch’, designed to engage and inspire the youth of India. Through this programme, Rajasthan Royals aim to provide college students with opportunities to contribute to real-world challenges, think big, and be rewarded for their ideas. This initiative is part of the IPL franchises’ broader mission to transform society through cricket, and cricket through innovation, by nurturing the next generation of leaders.
India boasts an estimated 38.5 million college students within this age group, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE). ‘Pink Pitch’ will tap into this immense potential by integrating the Royals’ presence into college festivals, where students will engage in fun, interactive activities like virtual batting games, spin-the-wheel contests, and exclusive merchandise giveaways. However, beyond these activations, the program is designed to offer students something far more impactful: the chance to contribute their ideas to real-world business challenges through a case study competition.
The case study competition will present students with practical problems faced by the franchise, such as discovering the next big revenue stream, improving the fan experience, or scaling foundation efforts to help communities. By tackling these challenges, students will develop a solution-oriented mindset, equipping them with skills that go beyond the classroom and preparing them for future success in the professional world. This initiative encourages participants to think critically, innovate, and present solutions that have the potential to leave a lasting impact on society.
Rajasthan Royals CEO Jake Lush McCrum said, “We firmly believe in the transformative power of youth to drive positive change through innovation. ‘Pink Pitch’ goes beyond merely engaging with students; it’s about creating opportunities for them to think big, solve real-world challenges, and gain recognition for their ideas. Our goal is to offer a platform they can leverage to make a tangible impact, whether in cricket, business, or society. By empowering these young minds to contribute and be heard, we aim to inspire a generation of leaders who will shape the future of our sport and communities.”
The competition is open to both graduate colleges and business schools, with winners at the national level being awarded cash prizes and Rajasthan Royals merchandise. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage with senior management at the franchise, giving them exposure to the inner workings of the sports industry. The initiative not only rewards innovative thinking but also provides recognition, with students having the chance to see their ideas implemented by the Royals in real-life scenarios.
‘Pink Pitch’ the franchise added represents its commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders who can think boldly, act decisively, and contribute to societal transformation from a young age. By offering these opportunities, the Royals aim to empower students to grow both personally and professionally, while also providing a platform for their voices and ideas to shape the future.
The first-ever ‘Pink Pitch’ activation is currently underway at IIT Delhi’s annual cultural festival Rendezvous, which is taking place from 5-8 October 2024 at their campus in New Delhi.
