A historic and inspirational cricket event in Thycaud, Trivandrum by Caravan Cricket Club that is more than four decades old

By K.R. Nayar

There is a famous quote about friendship that says: “Friends are like stars – they’re always coming and going, but the ones that stay burn as bright as the sun.”  On April 16th, at the inauguration of Caravan Cricket Club’s practice pitch and coaching camp facility at the Model School in Thycaud, Trivandrum, I felt every word from that quote was true.   

 

Caravan's journey of love continues 

So why do I say that? The gathering we had near the newly laid practice pitch was an example of how friendship from school days, if cherished, can never die. We had formed this club nearly four decades ago, and for everyone who has been a part of the creation of this club and played there while learning the basics of life through cricket, coming together again for a venture aimed at spreading the game, was indeed special.  

 

The joy of continuing our love for the game 

This club was instrumental in spreading the seeds of cricket in Thycaud at the Thycaud Maidan, which then led to the formation of other clubs like the Packers Cricket Club and Bhenix Cricket Club. Over the years, many players from these clubs went on to play for Kerala and some represented South Zone, while some became umpires and cricket administrators. In fact, among those who had assembled that day were not just members of these clubs alone but also hockey stars of those times.

 

The inauguration by Kerala Cricket Association secretary Vinod S Kumar   

The Thycaud Maidan was mainly meant to play hockey, but the players were kind enough to give us a small section to play cricket. Even people from the neighbourhood houses, where we would keep our cricket kits and often gathered before and after play, joined us on April 16. 

 

Film actor Nandalal.. expresses the joy of growing with the club

We were all proud to once again gather in our Model School premises since almost all of us were products of this school established way back in 1903. It also seemed like the school was smiling proudly at us. As products of the school, and as part of a club, we had demonstrated important values of life like friendship, unity, bonding, and connection to our roots. 

 

One among the many meetings that shaped the future plans 

The mahogany trees near the newly laid pitch were nearly 100-years-old. Like many of our parents who supported us to play cricket, despite the game not being popular those days, these trees shaded  us from the hot sun that day. 

 

All those who spoke at the event recalled how they had started playing here in their early teens while carrying everyone on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Some got so emotional that they struggled to  speak.  

 

Dr Shahnavas speaks as Caravan Club president Sadique watches 

We recalled the support of late Hassan Shah Sir, who was the president of the club and an ardent cricket enthusiast, and Peer Mohammad Sir, a renowned head master who always enjoyed watching us play. Representing Peeru Mohammad Sir was his son, a renowned doctor, Dr Shahnavas. Both, Hassan Shah, and Peer Mohammed Sir’s children were part of the formation of this club

 

Allen Philip - Secretary 

It was from this club that we learned to sportingly clap at a successful opponent, learned how to enjoy success and understand the impact of defeat, and how to adapt to all these situations. We were able to carry these traits from the game through the ups and downs of our lives, but all the while remaining sporting and humble. Our gathering after so many years justifies this.

 

Zulfikar, second from left who will spearhead the coaching sessions  

Many retired cricketers have often mentioned to me during my interviews with them that they want to give something back to the game. I felt proud that we, as a bunch of passionate cricket lovers, had joined hands to give something back to the game by grooming cricketers through a cricket facility.

 

The newly laid Caravan Cricket Club coaching and practice facility 

I had named our club, Caravan, little did I know that this club would live up to its name fully. The word Caravan means a wagon in which people travel together on a long journey. Despite all of us having been travelling on the long journey of life and excelling in various fields, we have come back to remain part of Caravan.

 

This is a Caravan of love where all clubs in the region have joined hands to keep travelling in it and promote the game that we all love so much.