Hyatt Regency Secures Thrilling Victory in Poona Hoteliers Association Premier League 7.0, Celebrating Sportsmanship and Unity in Pune’s Hospitality Sector

Published on March 28, 2025

The Poona Hoteliers Association Premier League (PHAPL 7.0), a highly anticipated cricket tournament in the Pune hospitality sector, came to a grand conclusion on March 21, 2025. With its closing match, the event highlighted the sporting spirit and vibrant camaraderie that are integral to Pune’s hospitality community. Organized by the Poona Hoteliers Association (PHA), this year’s edition proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the enthusiasm of the city’s hoteliers and hotel management institutes.

Held over five days at the Azam Campus Grounds, the tournament saw an overwhelming turnout with 42 teams representing hotels and hotel management institutions. The matches were intensely competitive, bringing together 630 players and more than 1,000 spectators who created an electric atmosphere throughout the event. The tournament was a fantastic display of not only athletic skill but also team spirit and cooperation, all while celebrating the growing legacy of sports in Pune’s hospitality sector.

“The 7^th edition of PHAPL is truly special as it coincides with the 25^th anniversary of the Poona Hoteliers Association and the 75^th year of HRAWI. This tournament is not just about cricket; it embodies the spirit of unity, teamwork and enthusiasm that defines the hospitality industry. The event has grown tremendously over the years, bringing hospitality industry professionals together in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. We commend PHA for organizing such a fantastic initiative, and I look forward to seeing this tournament reach even greater heights in the coming years,” says Mr Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

“PHAPL 7.0 reached new heights with live streaming of all 57 matches across two grounds, making it accessible to a much wider audience. The matches were not only broadcast live on YouTube and mobile platforms but were also showcased in hotel staff cafeterias and restaurants, allowing colleagues and families to experience the action. This initiative elevated viewership from 1,000 on-field spectators to over 6,000 virtual viewers, adding to the tournament’s growing appeal,” adds Mr. Santanu Sarkar.

“After six successful editions, PHAPL 7.0 has firmly established itself as one of India’s largest inter-hotel cricket tournaments. The planning and execution of this year’s event were credited to the PHAPL 7.0 Organizing Committee, led by Amit Sharma, Santanu Sarkar, Sharan Shetty, Abhishek Sahai, Prapti Deshpande, Sumit Sharma, Vikram Raj Shetty, Bhushan Kumud, Pankaj Saxena and Sanjay Singh. With the PHA Executive Committee already gearing up for PHAPL 8.0, next year’s tournament promises to be even bigger, more creative and more exciting, further cementing its status as the most sought-after sporting event in the Indian hospitality industry,” concludes Mr. Amit Kumar Sharma.

Inaugural Ceremony Sets the Stage for an Exciting Tournament

The grand Opening Ceremony on March 17, 2025, set the tone for the tournament, and it was a memorable start to the festivities. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Jimmy Shaw, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), who was accompanied by his wife, Ms. Fida Shaw. They were joined by other distinguished dignitaries, including Mrs. Abeda Inamdar, Vice President of the Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune, and Mr. Amit Sharma, President of the Poona Hoteliers Association. These influential figures addressed the gathering, encouraging the participating teams to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship with the mantra to “Play Well, Play Hard but Play Fair.”

The ceremony reached a joyous climax as the dignitaries symbolically released colorful balloons, marking the official commencement of the Poona Hoteliers Association Premier League 7.0. The teams were energized by this ceremonial gesture, and the anticipation for the upcoming matches was palpable.

The Thrilling Finale: Hyatt Regency Triumphs

As the tournament progressed over the next few days, it built up to an action-packed finale on March 21, 2025. The last match was a high-stakes contest between Hyatt Regency, Pune, and Novotel, Pune. Both teams demonstrated exceptional cricketing skills, but it was Hyatt Regency that emerged victorious, securing the prestigious trophy and further solidifying their dominance in the event’s history.

Novotel, Pune, while falling short of victory, put up a remarkable performance, finishing as the runners-up. Their efforts throughout the tournament were commendable, and their spot in the top two was a testament to their resilience and competitive edge. Meanwhile, Royal Orchid Pune and Courtyard by Marriott Chakan also made it to the top four, showcasing the immense talent and sportsmanship within the hospitality sector in Pune.

The final match was filled with drama, with every over raising the stakes. Hyatt Regency, Pune, executed flawless strategies, supported by exceptional performances from their key players. Their victory was a well-deserved result after days of intense competition, and the celebrations that followed were proof of their hard work and determination.

Outstanding Individual Performances and Accolades

The individual awards were another highlight of the tournament, recognizing the players who had demonstrated exceptional skills throughout the event. Roop Lal of Hyatt Regency was one of the stand-out performers, claiming the title of Man of the Match in the final. He also received the Orange Cap for being the Best Batsman and the Player of the Tournament award for his all-around performance.

Deepak Dada from Courtyard by Marriott, Chakan, earned the prestigious Purple Cap for being the Best Bowler, a well-deserved accolade for his exceptional bowling performance throughout the tournament. These individual awards added an extra layer of excitement and prestige to the tournament, encouraging players to push their limits in every match.

Seamless Execution and Outstanding Organization

Behind the scenes, the Poona Hoteliers Association Premier League 7.0 was executed seamlessly, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the tournament organizers. Manu, the Director of the Tournament, played a key role in ensuring that every aspect of the event was well-coordinated. From the scheduling of matches to managing the logistics on the ground, his leadership ensured that everything ran smoothly.

The success of the tournament was also due to the hard work of the umpires, scorers, and ground staff who worked tirelessly to maintain the quality of play and ensure fair conduct throughout the competition. Their professionalism was evident at every step, from the smooth running of the matches to the timely execution of key moments in the tournament.

PHA’s Continued Commitment to Pune’s Hospitality Sector

The Poona Hoteliers Association Premier League 7.0 not only showcased the talent and enthusiasm of the city’s hotel sector but also reinforced the commitment of the Poona Hoteliers Association (PHA) to promote community engagement and wellness through sports. The event continues to be an important part of the PHA’s broader initiative to foster unity, team spirit, and mutual respect within the hospitality sector.

With each passing year, the tournament has grown in scale and significance, and it has become a highly anticipated event on Pune’s sporting calendar. The success of PHAPL 7.0 is a testament to the tireless efforts of PHA and the hospitality community in Pune, who continually strive to make the tournament bigger and better.

Conclusion: A Grand Sporting Legacy for Pune’s Hospitality Sector

The Poona Hoteliers Association Premier League 7.0 concluded with the kind of excitement and spirit that makes it an important event in the Pune hospitality sector’s sporting calendar. Hyatt Regency, Pune, emerged as the champions, capping off a remarkable tournament that showcased not only cricketing talent but also the camaraderie and unity that define Pune’s hotel industry. As the tournament continues to grow, it remains a key platform for building relationships, celebrating sportsmanship, and creating lasting memories within the hospitality sector.

With this year’s event now behind them, the Poona Hoteliers Association and all involved are already looking ahead to next year’s edition, eager to continue the tradition of excellence that PHAPL has come to symbolize in Pune.