Former Indian Crickete Kapil Dev Irfan Patan, former Indian Tennis Player Leander Paes, former Indian Football Player Subrata Paul and Bengali Actor Dev at CC&FC Ground Kolkata. Pictures by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: The hallowed grounds of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) — established in 1792 and the oldest cricket club outside Great Britain — came alive on Sunday as legends of Indian sport, screen and culture gathered for the Dr. Vece Paes Cup 2026.
Hosted annually by tennis icon Leander Paes in honour of his late father, Dr. Vece Paes — Olympic bronze medallist (Munich, 1972) and one of India's most revered hockey legends — the event is a cherished tribute, organised in proud partnership with CC&FC.
The Dr. Vece Paes Invitational XI, a star-studded lineup, faced the CC&FC side in a spirited contest that ended in victory for the Invitational XI — a result met with warm applause from all present.
The occasion drew an extraordinary ensemble of Indian sporting and entertainment royalty. Leander Paes - Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup legend - alongside World Cup-winning captain and cricket icon Kapil Dev, who was the Guest of Honour; explosive World Cup winner and all-rounder Yusuf Pathan; celebrated Indian international goalkeeper Subrata Paul; and Bengali superstar actor Dev. Also gracing the occasion were Kirti Azad - former India cricketer and parliamentarian, Arun Lal - Bengal cricket stalwart and beloved commentator, Manoj Tiwary, former International cricketer, and Gurbux Singh - distinguished sporting personality.