On May 24, during Mumbai Indians’ fixture against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, an IPL 2026 match will become something much bigger than cricket.
It will become a day of firsts: First time on a bus to Mumbai, glimpse of the city, stepping inside a stadium, witness a live cricket match, a chance to see heroes they have only watched from afar in action.
Through Education and Sports for All (ESA), Mumbai Indians’ annual social impact initiative in partnership with Reliance Foundation, thousands of children from NGOs, tribal communities, villages, special needs schools, and underserved backgrounds will come together to experience a live IPL game. For many of those, this will be their very first time watching a game live.
Envisioned by Mrs.
Nita M. Ambani, ESA has, over the years, become one of the most heartfelt traditions of the IPL calendar. This year, for the first time, visually impaired children from the National Association for the Blind (India), along with hearing buddies, will be part of the experience too.
For this game, MI does not sell tickets as The Wankhede belongs entirely to the children.
Behind every smile in the stands is an entire city coming together.
Over 500 BEST and private buses will travel across Mumbai, Maharashtra, and beyond, from places like Satara, Nashik, Pune, Valsad, Udwada, and tribal regions like Igatpuri, bringing children safely to the venue. Thousands of volunteers, NGO partners, police personnel, medical teams, and on-ground staff will work together through the day to make every child feel welcomed, safe, and cared for.
Over 100,000 food boxes and beverages will be arranged, dedicated medical teams from Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital will remain on-site while Mumbai Police and traffic personnel will help ensure smooth movement across the city.
ESA, though, has never been defined by numbers alone.
Its true impact is in a child experiencing, alongside friends, the incredible atmosphere of the Wankhede Stadium during a live match.
