Mr. Rajiv Podar meets HE Barry O'Farrell, Hon Premier of New South Wales, Australia in sydney on September 28^th 2011 to explore business opportunities in the state of New South Wales. Mr. Podar was accompanied by Ms. Vedica Podar.

Managing Director for Podar Enterprise, Mr. Rajiv Podar along with his wife Mrs. Pallawi Podar hosted an evening with Australian Cricketer and Cricket Education Program Brand Ambassador Mr. Brett Lee on 18^th May 2011 in Mumbai, India. Fourth Dimension International Ltd in partnership with Cricket Australia have developed this Cricket Education Program for boys and girls aged 9 to 14.

Mr. Rajiv Podar also serves as a member for the board of Fourth Dimension International Limited. Many of the who’s who of Mumbai city along with the entire Podar family came in support for this dinner function. Chairman for Podar Enterprise, Shri Kantikumar R. Podar graced the occasion with his wife. Also present during the evening were Mr. & Mrs. Shane Watson, an Australian cricketer.

This special evening marked the launch of “Mewsic – A Brett Lee Foundation”, a non - profit organization started in India by Brett Lee for the underprivileged community. Continuing with the Podar heritage of contributing towards the society, Mr. Rajiv Podar is a trusty with the Brett Lee Foundation. The foundation has been formed in partnership with the Music Therapy Trust of India with a vision for each child to experience and benefit from the joy and power of music, foundation aims to make Music Therapy in India an integral tool in healing the physical, mental and emotional wounds of marginalized children.

This wonderful evening came to an end with Brett Lee announcing his own Avatar in the form of “Brett Lee’s – Cricket Coaching Guide”. Avatar refers to an animated version of Lee, which educates Kids in an interactive way on all aspects of cricket, namely bating, bowling, fielding, wicket keeping and leadership.

As always, Mr. Rajiv Podar was his flamboyance self while addressing the guests and was quoted “As always, it’s great fun to be the host and sharing this wonderful evening with family, friends, and business associates”. Mr. Podar’s two kids, Ms. Vedica Podar and Master Vedant Podar took the centre stage with a beautiful speech of their own and thanked the guests for making it such a memorable evening. Last but not the least, the kids thanked Mr. Brett Lee and Mr. Shane Watson for being part of this evening.

Cricket Education Program Brand Ambassador, Brett Lee, flashing his 100 watt smile took the centre stage and spoke highly about the Podar family and Cricket Education Program. He also gifted Mr. Rajiv Podar with a photo framed signed jersey of his franchise and thanked him for his support in the launch of his non-profit organization “Mewsic” for the underprivileged community of India.

Indian entrepreneur kicks off international cricket in USA in a historic agreement

Singapore-based Podar Holdings International Pte Limited and Top Bloom Corporation Limited have become foundation partners in a historic agreement signed with the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and Australian sports marketing firm Insite to grow cricket exponentially in one of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) target markets.

The agreement signed on December 18 at Los Angeles establishes Cricket Holdings America LLC, which will hold a majority of the commercial rights to cricket in the United States. This includes the potentially valuable T20 rights and the ability to stage a franchise based T20 League. The league is scheduled to start in June 2012 with six teams.

The United States has long been identified by the ICC as a strategically important market and
the new partnership provides a well-resourced framework to develop that opportunity.

Gladstone Dainty, President , USACA, said, “This agreement provides USACA with the ability to grow the game from “grassroots” to the elite level. It has opened doors for private investment into cricket in America, one of the more exciting new market opportunities for the ICC. Importantly, it will provide a sustainable revenue stream for the development of the game and secondly, we shall be supported by the knowledge and expertise that comes from a full member country like New Zealand.”

He added, “It is also worth noting that the US broadcast market has huge potential. It has historically been the second highest rights payer behind India. By growing cricket in our country we are not only benefitting Cricket Holdings America LLC but all ICC Member nations.”

The ICC has endorsed the initiative, praising all stakeholders for forming the partnership that it hopes will provide cricket the best opportunity to thrive in the United States. ICC Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat advised, “The ICC has long considered the United States as a strategically key market for the growth of the game. We are extremely supportive of the new partnership and their efforts to grow cricket within the United States. We wish them all the best.”

The 100-year-old Podar Group has wide experience in Industry and Trade. A well diversified organization with activities of Government Trade Houses, International Divisions, Information, Communication & Entertainment, Mining & Manufacturing, Advisory & Consulting and Sports Education.

Thanks to Mr Rajiv Podar’s initiative, sports business is now a major focus. In partnership with Cricket Australia, Rajiv has already launched its Cricket Education Progam globally.

Commenting on this historic occasion, Rajiv Podar, director, Podar Holdings International Pte Limited, said, “The United States has a huge potential to grow the game and is going to be one of the biggest destinations for cricket. Cricket Holdings America LLC is exciting news for the game globally, in particular to fans around the world. The Podars are happy to be associated with this venture and we are committed investors to build value in the long term.”

Podar pointed out that USA has climatic advantage of an ideal destination to play cricket in June-July. He is also bullish about support from top ex and present Indian cricketers to play in USA. “They are already enthusiastic about playing in America.”

New Zealand Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said, “With a population of four million, New Zealand is a limited market place. We have historically ‘punched above our weight’ through leadership and innovation. Cricket Holdings America LLC is a significant step in diversifying our long-term revenue base. As part of the partnership, NZC will contribute a range of management, development and coaching resources.”

Mr. Rajiv Podar met and discussed opportunities with Hon Colin Barnett, Premier of Western Australia and Hon. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Government of Sri Lanka during the Gala Dinner of International Business Linkage Forum's 7^th Convention organized on 2^nd August 2010 in Perth which was hosted by Department of State Development, Government of Western Australia

Department of Economic Affairs, Canton of Zug, Switzerland has appointed Mr. Rajiv Podar as the "First point of contact" for Indian businessmen interested in Zug.

Dr. Hans Marti, Head of Department of Economic Affairs, Canton of Zug released a brochure in this regard highlighting the economy and business environment offered by canton of Zug.

Click here to download the brochure.

Podar Enterprise has entered into an understanding with Pan-China Construction Group to co-operate with each other in exploring, identifying and implementing various opportunities in the field of investment, planning and construction of large scale projects outside China in particular India & African Countries.

Pan-China is a large construction group directly working under the Ministry of Construction of the Peoples Republic of China. They are currently working on a USD 4 Billion project in Angola. They are desirous to use technical know how, market and contacts of Podar Enterprise in India and African Countries.

The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing Barter Trade Committee is set up by Government of China to develop, establish and monitor an international barter trading system headquartered in China.

During the process of expanding internationally, the committee has appointed Mr. Rajiv Podar, Managing Director Podar Enterprise as the head of its preparatory working committee for India.

Mr. Podar will be responsible to formulate the policies, regulations, banking & logistics partners along with the final working committee structure and members.

Cricket Australia is pleased to announce a partnership with UAE based company Fourth Dimension International Limited that will see Cricket Australia develop a Cricket Education Program for delivery in educational institutions initially in India.

Plans are already being developed by Fourth Dimension International Limited and Cricket Australia to expand this innovative Program into countries such as South Africa, Canada and China in the future, as well as selected countries in the Middle East, Europe and other parts of Asia.

The Fourth Dimension International Cricket Education Program is a six year progressive competency based program with participants undergoing cricket development activities and learning in addition to their regular schooling. School students from 10 to 15 years will learn about the breadth and depth of cricket, from playing and umpiring, to coaching and administration. Students completing the International Cricket Education Program will learn the intricacies of the game along with the business of cricket.

The first Programs to run in India are likely to take place in schools in Mumbai. Representatives from Fourth Dimension International Limited and Podar Enterprise were recently in Melbourne to finalise the agreement between Cricket Australia and Fourth Dimension International Limited. Pictured above, Ranjeet Prakash representing Fourth Dimension International Limited (right) and Rajiv Podar from Podar Enterprise (Centre), recently met with Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Game Development Damien Bown (left) to sign the agreement and celebrate the strengthening of Australia-India relations through cricket.

Under this agreement, Cricket Australia will take responsibility for developing a Program that will enable Fourth Dimension International Limited to set up a sustainable infrastructure for cricket coaching, umpiring and administration. After commencing in Mumbai, the Program will move to other parts of India in the near future. International Cricket Education Program will see successful students achieve the Diploma of Cricket from Cricket Australia and Fourth Dimension International Limited.

Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Game Development Damien Bown sees this Program as a logical extension of Australian cricket’s emerging presence globally: “The Australian cricket playing, coaching, umpiring and administration infrastructures are highly regarded on the world stage. This partnership with Fourth Dimension International Limited will not only see Cricket Australia supporting cricket’s growth globally, but will also provide new opportunities for cricket to continue to grow its investment in grassroots participation, volunteering, coaching, umpiring and administration – which is critical to securing the next generation of cricket’s players and fans”.