Kerala Overseas Cricketers (KOC) and Kerala Young Veterans (KVC) hosted the 10th season of the Friendship Cup.

Kerala Overseas Cricketers (KOC) and Kerala Young Veterans (KVC) recently hosted the 10th season of the prestigious Friendship Cup at the SAG grounds in Chicalim, Goa, celebrating a decade of sporting spirit and camaraderie. Established in 2013, the Friendship Cup provides a unique platform for former cricketers from the state of Kerala to reunite from across the world, including the Middle East, Singapore and New Zealand, rekindle the competitive spirit and foster lasting friendships.

The Sports Authority of Goa extended considerable cooperation by offering a well-maintained Chicalim cricket ground. In recognition of this important season, two highly competitive matches were organised: a T20 and a T10.

Despite challenging wet conditions, the players demonstrated their skill and commitment. Team Red won by 53 runs in the T20 match, while Team Blue won by a margin of 28 runs in the T10.

Shajil Balan, Mohammad Afsal, Shashikant, Riyas Ali, Ranjit Menon, Manzoor and Chandrashekhar gave remarkable batting performances in the matches. Soni Cheruvathur and Shibith Padikkal displayed power hitting, sending many balls beyond 90 metres. In the bowling department, players like Sandeep NP, Prajeet P, Anand Ramaswamy and Shahid CP bowled excellent spells, while Balaji Narayanan earned special recognition by taking an impressive five-wicket haul in the T10s.

Shazil Balan and Balaji Narayanan were declared man of the match in T20 and T10.

KOC expresses its heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, Consolidated Shipping Group, CSS and Blue Ocean Corporation, whose steadfast support has been fundamental to KOC since the beginning of the Friendship Cup. Their dedication has been vital in maintaining this tradition, enriching the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines our event.