SECUNDERABAD LIFT 24^TH JIJI IRANI CRICKET TROPHY

The 24^th Jiji Irani Challenge Cup Cricket Tournament played annually between the Parsis of Kolkata, Nagpur, Jamshedpur, Secunderabad/Hyderabad and Surat, was held in Surat from 3^rd to 7^th November 2010. Secunderabad captained by Jamsheed J. Hormusjee won the tournament for the second consecutive year. Three teams, Jamshedpur, Secunderabad and Surat, were tied for the Championship with 3 wins each. Secunderabad were declared winners on a better runs per wicket average.

The Jiji Irani Challenge Cup Cricket Tournament is played on a round robin basis, with each centre hosting the Tournament by rotation. It was started in memory of the late Jiji Irani, the father of cricket in Vidarbha district (in Maharashtra), by his daughter Diana Hormusjee and his son Dr Jamshed J. Irani, director, Tata Sons.

Varzavand Debara top scored for Secunderabad, scoring 176 runs in 4 matches which included 3 fifties. He was adjudged the batsman of the series and also got the awards for most number of catches (four) and most sixes (seven) in the tournament.

Khushal Jilla and Jamsheed Hormusjee played supporting roles by scoring 137 and 124 runs respectively and also taking 6 and 5 wickets respectively in 4 matches. Khushal bagging the man of the match award against Jamshedpur and Jamsheed bagged the award against Kolkata. Khoremand Siganporia’s spirited performance (31 n.o. & 4 wkts) earned him the man of the match award against Nagpur. Khushal Jilla was awarded the fielder of the series for the Secunderabad team and also won the award for the fastest fifty (32 balls).

Percy Irani was the star in the bowling department. He bowled well through the tournament and for his consistent performance was awarded the “Shireen Hormusjee Award” for the most promising youngster.

Minoo Siganporia, coach cum manager applauded the team efforts at the closing ceremony.

Courtesy : Jehangir Bisney