Gully Premier League: Cricket, Camaraderie & Cheers at Samsung Chennai Plant

 

At Samsung Chennai plant, the workday recently took on a cheerful new twist. Amidst buzzing production lines and changing shifts, laughter and cheers echoed around the newly inaugurated Multi-Sports Arena. The occasion?

 

The much-anticipated Gully Premier League—a cricket tournament designed not just to bring sports into the factory but to spark joy, nostalgia, and togetherness among workers.

 

More than just a game, this initiative is part of Samsung’s larger mission to build a Great Place to Work, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and play across all shifts and teams.

 

Cricket, but Make it Gully Style

Forget stadiums and white kits. Here, cricket is played the gully way—with deft flicks and swinging deliveries, hand-made scoreboards, enthusiastic commentary from colleagues, and rules that changed with the wind and umpire’s sense of humour. The format was simple and inclusive:

 

Each shift could nominate one team of six players

Larger departments could nominate more teams

All shift employees were encouraged to participate

 

The response was electrifying—48 teams, 72 league matches, and 288 employees who left their work shoes at the door and stepped into sneakers and spirit.

 

“I haven’t played cricket since school. But the moment I picked up the bat, it all came rushing back,” said Karthik from Washing Machine Line. “The crowd, the cheers, the chaos—it felt like home.”

 

 

Making Room for Everyone

What made this league even more special was the focus on the sense of togetherness. Alongside the main matches, there are dedicated categories being planned for all lines—ensuring everyone felt welcomed on the pitch.

 

Gopi, from Refrigerator Line, said, “It wasn’t just about who hit the most runs or took the best catch. It was about seeing a usually quiet colleague take on captaincy, or someone from admin stepping in as a last-minute substitute and bowling the match-winning over.”

 

 

New Grounds, New Bonds

The Gully League also marked the inauguration of the new Multi-Sports Arena, a vibrant space that now stands as a symbol of wellness, fun, and shared purpose. From laughter-filled team huddles to last-ball thrillers, the Arena quickly became the new favourite hangout for employees.

 

“For me, the best part was the crowd. People from all shifts came to watch, cheer, and even bring snacks,” said Sivabalan from the Smart Facility Group (SFG). One team even had cheer slogans printed for fun. We all forgot the Chennai heat and just had a blast.”

 

 

Bringing Samsung Values to Life

Events like the Gully Premier League aren’t just recreational—they reflect Samsung’s core values: People, Excellence, Change, Integrity, and Co-Prosperity. They encourage employees to lead with energy, grow through collaboration, and build bonds beyond the workstation.

 

“It’s easy to say we’re one team. But on the field, you feel it,” said Srinath from R&D team. “We high-fived, strategized, laughed—and went back to work feeling lighter.”

And the Game Goes On

With 24 teams moving into the knockout stage, anticipation is building up for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the much-awaited grand finale. And while one team will eventually lift the trophy, everyone walks away with memories, smiles, and a stronger sense of belonging.

 

So, here’s to the gully spirit that brings us closer—and many more innings of fun, teamwork, and friendly banter at Samsung!