Keralam’s clergy to fight it out in Kathanar Cricket League

Cricket, the cliché goes, is a religion in India. At Puthuppally next week, the clergy will get a chance to take that literally.

For two days, priests from different Christian denominations will trade their robes for cricket jerseys and compete for runs and wickets at the inaugural Kathanar Cricket League on September 9 and 10. As many as 16 teams will take part in the tournament, organised by the Kathanar Cricket Club under the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanassery.

The idea took shape in the Changanassery Syro-Malabar Archdiocese, where a group of cricket-loving priests formed a club and began playing together, says Fr. Dominic Muriyankavunkal, captain of the Changanassery team. Their games soon drew interest from priests in other dioceses and denominations, eventually leading to the idea of a common tournament.

The participants

Priests from the Syro-Malabar, Latin Catholic, Syro-Malankara, Malankara Orthodox and Mar Thoma denominations will participate. Deacons from St. Thomas Seminary, Vadavathoor, have also been invited, though the seminary will not field a separate team.

The response has been stronger than expected, with 25 teams initially expressing interest. The organisers eventually limited the field to 16 teams to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. “The matches will follow Kerala Cricket Association guidelines and be officiated by KCA-approved umpires,” Fr. Dominic said.

Teams from dioceses stretching from Thalassery to Thiruvananthapuram will compete for the title. The winner will take home ₹50,000 and the trophy, while the top four teams will receive cash prizes and trophies. Individual awards will also be presented to the best batsman, best bowler, player of the tournament and best wicketkeeper.

About fellowship too

For the organisers, though, the scorecard is only part of the story. The tournament is also meant to give priests from different denominations a chance to meet informally, build friendships and spend time together away from their usual church engagements. “It is cricket that unites us. So, the pitch will be providing common ground where denominational boundaries take a back seat to friendly competition and fellowship,” added Fr. Dominic.

The league also seeks to encourage priests to stay physically active and cultivate friendships beyond digital screens. “Priests should also experience the joy of friendship not just through the digital world, but in the real world,” pointed out Fr. Jojin Elanjickal, one of the organisers.

Source: www.thehindu.com