Cricket meets Culture: 5-day Jiji Irani Challenge Cup in Hyderabad thrilled visitors with festivities

Hyderabad: The 36th Jiji Irani Challenge Cricket Cup successfully concluded on January 15, leaving cherished memories of a remarkable tournament.

The Jiji Irani Challenge Cup Cricket Tournament is played every year among the Zoroastrians of Kolkata, Nagpur, Jamshedpur, Secunderabad/Hyderabad and Surat. The tournament is played on a round-robin basis, with each city hosting the tournament by rotation.

This year it was Hyderabad’s chance from January 11-15.

Prize winners

The winners of the tournament in which players from five cities participated were Surat and the runners-up were Jamshedpur. The Man of the Series prize was given to Sanju Dutta, the Best Batsman was Khushal Jilla while Jehan Eduljee of Nagpur was the Best Bowler.

Valedictory ceremony

The valedictory and awards ceremony was held on the last day at the Parsi Dharamsala in Secunderabad. The venue was beautifully decorated and lit up and all those who attended the function were dressed formally in black and white.

Chief guests

The distinguished chief guests were DCP Vamshi on the opening day. The final day of the tournament was graced by CA Jehangir Bisney and vice president of The Parsi Gymkhana, Mumbai, Khodadad Yezdegerdi.

Souvenir released

The highlight of the valedictory function was the release of the tournament’s souvenir by Khorshed S Chenai, president of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, at the Parsi Dharamsala on the final day. The souvenir provided a delightful insight into the tournament’s legacy and experiences. The culinary delights were served by Abad Wadia.

Cricket matches and cultural evenings

The five days of the tournament witnessed four teams playing two matches each at the D’Marc Cricket Academy Grounds. Grand events were organised every evening for all the participants and their families.

On January 11, a Nawab-e-Shaam Hyderabad-themed dinner was organized along with a ghazal evening served with gorgeous Hyderabadi décor and Hyderabadi delicacies. Prizes for the best Nizami attire were given away.

On January 12, a Parsi-themed dinner with typical Parsi delicacies was served. Guests and organisers wore their best Parsi attire while the women showed off their Gara saris.

On January 13, it was a Game-On gala with retro clothes. The next day it was a Telugu Tadka theme party with typically Telugu starters and dinner being served, while the guests turned out in their best Telugu dresses.

Bahman Karaka, president of Zoroastrian Club, Secunderabad said, “Hosting the prestigious event was a true honour and it brought us immense pride and joy to have upheld the legacy of this treasured tradition. Also, a special thank you to the players, who showcased exemplary sportsmanship and passion. As we look back at this wonderful event, we are filled with gratitude for the bonds of camaraderie it fostered and memories created.”