The exhilarating Majha Doaba Malwa League (MDM) that started in Christchurch on April 3, concluded with the final played on May 8 between newcomers Kings XI Punjab and Canterbury Cheetahs. Kings XI Punjab lifted the trophy at the action-packed T-25 league that was started with the noble aim of creating an inclusive environment where players from different ethnicities feel welcome, keep active and can play competitive cricket.
Cricket lovers in the Canterbury region were treated to some electrifying action, with some of the best cricketing talent coming together for the tournament.
Majha Doaba Malwa League was set up by Ramandeep Singh last year to bring cricketers of different cultures together and follow their shared passion for the game.
Singh chose to have MDM League played on Sundays so people who are busy on Saturdays due to work or family commitments can join the game and stay active. Singh was helped this year by Sharan Nagra and Kamal Bhinder in organising and smooth running of the League
This is the second year of the league, rechristened as Majha Doaba Malwa League from Winter Cup. Singh plans to make it an annual affair.
Last year six teams participated in the league, with the Canterbury Cheetahs beating Punjabi Beasts in the final.
This year, the league had participation from eight teams, with two new teams joining the action. Singh anticipates more teams coming on board next year, promising an even more exciting tournament.
The league that was played on Hagley Polo Grounds every Sunday at 11 AM, had two groups with games played on round-robin tournament pattern. Group A had the Punjabi Beasts, SherEPunjab, Tyrants and Daredevils, while group B had Kings XI Punjab, Canterbury Cheetahs, All Black Punjab and Gujarat Lions fighting for the trophy.
Navi Farmer from SherEPunjab was awarded as the best batsman of the tournament who scored 238 runs, including 17 sixes and 17 fours. Qudrat Khan from Kings XI Punjab was adjudged the best bowler of the tournament with 10 wickets and best of 3-24. Hrishab Devkota played one of the best innings of the tournament - 110 runs (8 sixes and 5 fours). The emerging player of the tournament was Pankaj Bhagat, with 208 runs (13 sixes and 20 Fours)
Renowned community leader Surinder Tandon graced the prize ceremony where Winners trophy, Runners Up trophy, Best Batsman trophy, Best Bowler trophy, 13 Winners shields and 13 Runner-up shields were given away.
On the occasion, Tandon told Indian Weekender, “Objectives of multicultural cricket tournaments are to promote multicultural community cricket, provide an opportunity for players of diverse cultures to play competitive cricket and to foster social cohesion."
Thanking the players, volunteers and sponsors, Singh said, “This event would not have been successful without the generous help of our proud sponsors. With their love and support, we have made this year's league as one of the best leagues of Christchurch. I am also very grateful to everyone who helped wrap up everything after the event was over.”
The league was sponsored and supported by Henry's Wairakei Road, Mainland Turkish, LifeStyle Solutions, Aprilis Mortgages, Limelite Construction, TBS Services and Archer Sports.
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