IPL 2016: For MI, venue may change but cause remains

 “Even though a change in venue from Wankhede to ACA-VDCA stadium, we felt that the cause of supporting education for children should not suffer, and hence – even less a number – we are happy to spread the joy among these 3,000 underprivileged children here at Visakhapatnam,” she added. For the first time in IPL history, the EFA match will held outside Mumbai. “The whole idea was that even if match was moved, the cause of EFA should not suffer. We will continue that cause. A lot of fans in India and globally support this cause in the social media besides a lot of sponsors supporting this initiative,” a Mumbai Indians spokesperson said.

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The privilege of watching live the international stars in action at the stadium, which these “special invitees” would otherwise not get, is the culmination of EFA’s round-the-year activity. “The Reliance Foundation works with NGOs in Mumbai, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra and support the children with education and other requirements for the last six years like free distribution of notebooks, books and other accessories. Every year, a new set off 18,000 children watch the match live. Who knows, some from this lot may be inspired from on-field performances,” the spokesperson added.