19/06/2026
Bharat Popli – A Club Legend!
Bharat joined the Bay of Plenty Indian Sports Club (BOPISC) back in 2012. BOPISC has been around since 1958, and when Bharat arrived he bought into our club vision from day one. A place where players could grow, feel welcome, and be part of a club that felt like family.
There’s plenty already said about Bharat the cricketer. The runs, the centuries, playing for Northern Districts. But today we’re talking about Bharat the person.
When he joined us, we’d just got into the BOPCA Premier grade. We were competing, but the truth is we weren’t winning much. Bharat didn’t come in with big talk. He just got stuck in. He was patient, he backed the younger guys, and he made it fun to turn up to training even when results weren’t going our way. The wins came later, but the culture he helped build stuck. Those years gave us friendships and memories that are still talked about.
Bharat was never just another name on the team sheet. He became a treasure of this club. That’s the best way to put it. Someone we cherished and respected. Selfless is the word that comes to mind. He cared about the club and he cared about people. He’s got the most centuries for the Bay, he represented Northern Districts, and every time he came back from rep duty he’d bring time, gear, advice, whatever the boys needed. When he did well, we all did well.
When we joined with Central to form Central Indians in a plea to keep Premier cricket in Rotorua alive, Bharat stayed loyal. He kept showing up, kept guiding the younger players, kept being the kind of ambassador any club would be proud of. He even captained NZISA while representing BOPISC at the Rep fixture at Seddon Park, flying our flag the right way.
We call him Baz Bhai, and he’s one of the finest gems this club has had. As he steps away from the playing side of things, we’re just grateful we got to share a part of his journey. The vision he bought into in 2012 is still the vision we’re chasing today.
Bharat, thanks for everything you’ve given this club. For the runs, for the time, and for the example you set. Wishing you all the best for the next chapter, and we’re not letting you disappear. You’re BOPISC family for life!
We also want to recognise Jeet Raval. Jeet, ex Blackcap and Northern Districts captain, has played alongside Bharat for years. Last season he joined our club, buying into our club vision of building community. Last year both Jeet and Bharat were part of the Northern Districts team that won the Plunket Shield after 13 years, with Jeet leading the side. Two community gems, leading on the field and giving back off it. Jeet, we appreciate your support and the humility you’ve brought. It’s the same humility Bharat showed us for years, and it means a lot!
