Royals Sports Group-owned Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Rajasthan Royals today unveiled, ‘Pink Pitch’, an initiative designed to engage and inspire the youth of India. Through this program, Rajasthan Royals aims to provide college students with unique opportunities to contribute to real-world challenges, think big, and be rewarded for their innovative ideas.
This initiative is part of the Royals’ 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.
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.
The first-ever ‘Pink Pitch’ will be seen at IIT Delhi’s annual cultural festival Rendezvous, which takes place from 5th to 8th October 2024 at their campus in New Delhi.
Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals shared, “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.”
