Former Kerala cricketers create waves of cricket camaraderie in Goa through decade-long Friendship Cup

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 establishment in 2013, the Friendship Cup has come a long way. It serves as a platform for former Kerala cricketers to reconnect and showcase their skills. These players had competed when cricket did not have a strong foothold in Kerala, and they relied only on their natural talent rather than coaching. The dedication shown by some players to keep the Friendship Cup going deserves commendation.

 

The KOC team skippered by Prajeet that emerged winners in the T10 contest 

Former Kerala state cricketers from around the globe—including the Middle East, Singapore, and New Zealand—reunite every year to relive their competitive spirit and refresh their friendships. The noble purpose of this event led the Sports Authority of Goa to provide them with the well-maintained Chicalim cricket ground. They played two formats of the game that have popularized cricket worldwide: T20 and T10. The teams were captained by Prajeet P (KOC) and Sunil Kumar (KVC).

When I witnessed the 2016 edition in Trivandrum 

Despite the humid conditions, the players’ enthusiasm remained high. In the T20 match, Team Sunil claimed victory by 53 runs, while Team Prajeet won the T10 match by 28 runs.

 

The legends of yesteryears—Shajil Balan, Mohammed Afsal, Sashikant, Riyas Ali, Ranjith Menon, Sunil Oasis, Manzoor, and Chandrasekhara—all showcased their skills, with Sony Cheruvathur and Shibith Padikkal hitting powerful shots over 90 meters. Bowlers like Sandeep N P, Prajeet P, Anand Ramaswamy, and Shahid C P delivered impressive spells. Dubai-based former Ranji Trophy allrounder S Santhosh and wicketkeeper batsman Fida Asghar had gone to Goa as an observers and to celebrate a decade of friendship and cricket.

 

Balaji Narayanan... deadly spell 

Balaji Narayanan showed that his skill to wreck batting line-ups had not faded, and he produced a five-wicket haul in the T10 match.  Shajil Balan and Balaji Narayanan were awarded the Man of the Match for the T20 and T10 matches, respectively.

 

Shajil Balan... a match winner

A special tribute was paid to the late Mr. Jaleel, who was part of the inaugural Friendship Cup. Players shared memories of Jaleel’s spirit and passion for the game.

 

KOC extended their gratitude to the two cricket-loving sponsors, Consolidated Shipping Group (CSS) and Blue Ocean Corporation. These organizations have been a foundation of support since the Friendship Cup’s inception, and their commitment to fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship is commendable.

 

The camaraderie continued into the evening, celebrating unity among the cricketers and proving that bonds forged through a shared love of the game can endure for decades, overcoming even the challenges of distance.