Mumbai witnessed an evening filled with celebration, energy, and industry camaraderie as the Information Technology Sports Club (ITSC) hosted a spectacular launch party on May 6, 2026, officially inaugurating the much-anticipated AMD ITL Cup 2026. The vibrant gathering brought together leading industry personalities, channel partners, sponsors, team owners, media representatives, and cricket enthusiasts from across the IT ecosystem, setting the stage for what promises to be the biggest and most engaging edition of the tournament till date.
Now entering its fifth season, the AMD ITL Cup has evolved into one of the most prominent sporting and networking platforms within India’s IT channel industry. More than just a cricket tournament, the initiative has become a celebration of collaboration, relationship-building, and community engagement, bringing together professionals from across the technology landscape through the shared passion for cricket.
This year’s tournament is scheduled from May 7 to May 9, 2026 and will take place at Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri West, Mumbai. Over the next three days, twelve leading teams representing the IT channel fraternity will compete in an exciting showcase of sportsmanship, team spirit, and competitive cricket.
A Grand Evening of Celebration, Bonding and Industry Networking
The exclusive launch celebration witnessed an overwhelming response from across the channel ecosystem, with sponsors, distributors, OEM brands, retailers, system integrators, and business leaders coming together under one roof to mark the beginning of another thrilling ITL season.
The atmosphere throughout the evening reflected the strong sense of unity and bonding that the AMD ITL Cup has successfully cultivated over the years. The event provided industry professionals with an informal yet highly engaging platform to reconnect, strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness beyond routine business interactions.
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with entertainment, music, networking sessions, and lively conversations, creating a festive and energetic ambiance. The launch celebration not only amplified excitement around the tournament but also reinforced the growing importance of community-driven engagement within the IT industry.
Major Highlights from the Launch Party:
Introduction of Participating Teams
One of the key highlights of the evening was the official introduction of all twelve participating teams representing prominent names from the IT channel ecosystem. Team owners and players were introduced amidst cheers and applause, building excitement ahead of the much-awaited cricketing action beginning today.
The team introductions showcased the enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and strong participation that continue to make the AMD ITL Cup one of the most eagerly awaited events within the channel community.
Networking & Entertainment
The launch party successfully blended professional networking with celebration and entertainment, creating a vibrant environment for industry leaders and partners to engage in meaningful interactions. The evening featured energetic entertainment, music, informal discussions, and engaging conversations that strengthened connections across the ecosystem.
The relaxed and celebratory setting enabled attendees to move beyond conventional business discussions and foster stronger personal and professional relationships, reflecting the true spirit of the ITL Cup platform.
ITSC 5th Anniversary Cake Cutting
A special moment of the evening was the grand cake-cutting ceremony commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Information Technology Sports Club (ITSC). The celebration marked an important milestone in ITSC’s journey of building one of the industry’s most impactful sports-driven community platforms.
Industry Leaders Share Their Excitement
While speaking to DT, Pankaj Dessai, Director Commercial Channel and SMB at AMD India, said, “The ITL Cup has grown into much more than a sporting event for the IT industry. It has become a platform that strengthens relationships, encourages collaboration, and brings together the entire partner ecosystem in a highly engaging environment. The energy and enthusiasm witnessed during the launch celebration clearly reflect the value this initiative has created for the channel community. AMD is proud to continue supporting a platform that fosters meaningful industry connections alongside the spirit of sportsmanship.”
Speaking to DT, Aashish Sawant, National Sales Manager for Volume and Distribution Business at AMD India, said, “The launch party perfectly captured the excitement and togetherness that define the AMD ITL Cup. What makes this platform truly special is its ability to bring partners together beyond business discussions and create stronger personal connections. Every season, the participation and enthusiasm continue to grow, and this year’s response has been phenomenal. We are looking forward to an exciting tournament filled with great cricket, strong team spirit, and deeper industry bonding.”
Sharing his thoughts with DT, Kalpesh Chande, Director – Strategic Sales at Lenovo India, stated, “Events like the AMD ITL Cup play a very important role in strengthening relationships within the IT ecosystem. The launch celebration reflected the kind of collaboration, positivity, and engagement that the industry increasingly values today. It was wonderful to see partners, brands, and teams come together in such a vibrant environment that encourages stronger connections beyond regular business interactions.”
Sharing his views on the mega tournament, Rushabh Shah, Director, TAIT said, “ITSC has consistently introduced fresh ideas and innovative initiatives that continue to strengthen engagement within the IT community. The way the platform brings together partners, industry leaders, and professionals through events like the AMD ITL Cup is truly commendable. It is wonderful to see the community come together with such enthusiasm, celebrating not just cricket, but also collaboration, networking, and stronger industry bonding.”
Sunil Thariani, Managing Director of Sound Solutions, expressed while speaking to DT, “The atmosphere at the launch party was absolutely fantastic and clearly showcased how strongly the ITL Cup resonates with the channel community today. Over the years, this platform has created a unique culture of collaboration and friendship within the industry. The excitement, participation, and energy witnessed at the event highlight the growing importance of such initiatives in bringing the ecosystem closer together.”
Speaking to DT, Mihir Kachalia, Partner at IMCC & Co., said, “The launch celebration demonstrated how meaningful engagement happens when industry professionals come together in a relaxed and interactive environment. Beyond cricket, the ITL Cup creates opportunities for conversations, trust-building, and long-term partnerships. The positivity and enthusiasm visible throughout the evening reflected the strong sense of community that this platform has built over the years.”
In his interaction with DT, Biren Yadav, CEO and MD of Bluecom Infotech, remarked, “The scale and excitement surrounding the AMD ITL Cup continue to grow with every edition. The launch event itself reflected the strong emotional connect that the industry has developed with this platform. Today, initiatives like these are playing a significant role in creating a more collaborative and connected channel ecosystem where relationships extend far beyond business.”
While speaking on the occasion, Pankaj Sancheti, Director at Comprint Tech Solutions, shared, “We are here today because of the strong platform created by ITSC, which continues to grow bigger and more impactful with each passing year. The support from AMD has been truly commendable, and it is great to see senior leaders from AMD actively present and engaging with the community. We are also participating in this tournament, and this year we are coming in with stronger preparation, greater confidence, and a determination to perform even better on the field.”
A Celebration Beyond Cricket
More than just a launch event, the evening celebrated the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and collaboration that continues to define the AMD ITL Cup. The strong participation from across the industry highlighted the growing influence of the tournament as a platform that successfully blends professional networking with sporting excitement.
The launch party also reflected ITSC’s larger vision of building a connected IT ecosystem where professionals can engage beyond formal business settings and create stronger long-term relationships.
The Tournament Action Begins Today
With the successful conclusion of the grand launch celebration, the spotlight now shifts to Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri West, where the AMD ITL Cup 2026 officially begins today, May 7. As twelve competitive teams gear up to take the field, the tournament is expected to deliver thrilling cricketing action, unforgettable moments, and stronger industry engagement over the next three days.
The AMD ITL Cup 2026 once again stands as a powerful example of how sports can unite the IT community, strengthen professional relationships, and create meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact far beyond the cricket field.
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