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By K.R. Nayar Like diamonds are forever, friendships too are enduring. The Friendship Cup cricket event, now celebrating its 10th season, exemplifies this sentiment. Played between The Kerala Overseas Cricketers (KOC) and Kerala Young Veterans (KVC), this tournament tells the story of cricketers-turned-friends who continue to pursue their love for the game by nurturing their bonds.   The 10th edition took place at the SAG grounds in Chicalim, Goa, although all these players have roots in Kerala and have represented the Kerala state team at various levels. Life may have taken these players to different parts of the world, but they ensure a reunion every year. In 2016, I had the privilege of traveling with them to Trivandrum to witness the third edition. The spirit with which they played reminded me of Helen Keller's famous words, “True friends are never apart; maybe in distance, but never in heart.” The KYC team captained by Sunil Kumar that won the T20 match Since its establi...

By K.R. Nayar The ICC Hall of Fame event was held alongside the ICC and Emirates Cricket Board gala dinner at the Hilton on October 19, the day before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final. One of the inductees into the Hall of Fame was Alastair Cook. It was wonderful to meet him and get a message from him for young aspiring cricketers.     With Alastair Cook after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame  I have witnessed some of Cook’s remarkable performances during his playing days. Alongside Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara, he ranks as one of the three finest left-handers I regard very highly. In the 2015 three-Test series against Pakistan, he amassed 450 runs, including a memorable knock of 263 in Abu Dhabi, scores of 65 and 10 in Dubai, and 49 and 63 in Sharjah. During that series, I had several opportunities to speak to him, and upon his recent Hall of Fame induction, I reminded him of my good fortune to have witnessed many of his great innings.   My column...

By K.R. Nayar From Sevens Stadium, Dubai At the Sevens Stadium’s Oval Ground 2, few believed East Central Zone would emerge as champions of the Over 40s Masters Cricket USA, especially after North Zone posted an impressive 234 runs in 40 overs. However, two determined batsmen, Jayesh Patel and Ankur Kassal, chased down the challenging target, leading their team to an eight-wicket victory in just 34.3 overs. East Central Zone Over 40s team celebrate after receiving the trophy. Photo by K.R. Nayar  Jayesh paved the way with a remarkable knock of 122 off 106 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes. Kassal, playing a supportive role, remained unbeaten on 102 off 90 balls, studded with nine boundaries and three sixes, ensuring his team reached the target.   Jayesh Patel (left) and Ankur Kassal crack centuries to lead their  team to victory. Photo by K.R. Nayar   East Central Zone celebrated a double victory, as minutes earlier, their Over 50s team had also cl...

By K.R. Nayar From Sevens Stadium, Dubai A half-century from Sandeep Karwa for the team composed of those who had crossed the half-century mark in their life, and a fine bowling spell of 3 for 34 from Himanshu Patadia helped East Central Zone emerge as the Over 50s Dubai Zonal Champions of Masters Cricket USA. In the final held at Sevens Stadium, East Central Zone beat North Zone by 36 runs. East Central Zone Over 50s team celebrates after receiving the trophy. Photo by K.R. Nayar    East Central Zone won the toss and opted to bat at the Oval 1 ground. Parak Ananta, one of the founders of Masters Cricket USA, shone in his role as wicketkeeper. He took the first catch of the finals to dismiss opener Masud Rana off Sanjay Pandya for 17. He also caught one-down Ketan Patel, again off Sanjay Pandya, for 3 and contributed to the run-out of opener Amir Kiani alongside Nirav Valia for 7. Wicketkeeper  Parak Ananta (centre) and  Syed Shanawaz being congratula...

By K.R. Nayar From Sevens Stadium, Dubai   Everyone playing in the Masters Cricket USA can be literally considered a hero, with each one of them carrying amazing tales from their cricket career. The very fact that they have come out to play in Over 40’s Over 50s and Over 60s age category matches, travelling all the way to Dubai from different parts of US itself makes them heroes. They have shown the way by playing competitive cricket at a time when usually many hung up their shoes. The base of every cricketer whom I met during this event had a deep passion towards the game. This is what motivated everyone to defy their age.     Arun Vitalla’s innings playing aside Kapil Dev and Arun Lal continues     Arun Vittala is one of the founders of the Masters Cricket USA. He hails from Hyderabad and had played the Under-19 Combined team representing South Zone. He recalled the days when he played alongside Kapil Dev, Shivlal Yadav, Arun Lal, Kirti Azad and Yogr...