Christian priests from different denominations across Kerala are set to swap the pulpit for the cricket pitch as the inaugural Kathanar Cricket League (KCL) gets underway at Puthuppally on September 9 and 10.
Organised by the Kathanar Cricket Club (KCC) under the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanassery, the tournament aims to bring priests together through their shared love of cricket while strengthening fellowship beyond church settings.
Priests from five denominations to compete
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.
The tournament will be held at Bails Arena Oval Cricket Turf and is open to spectators without an entry fee. Teams representing dioceses from Thalassery to Thiruvananthapuram will take part.
16 teams set to battle for the trophy
Although 25 teams initially expressed interest, organisers limited the competition to 16 teams to ensure its smooth conduct.
The tournament will follow Kerala Cricket Association guidelines, with KCA-approved umpires officiating the matches.
The winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and the KCL trophy. Awards will also be presented to the top four teams and outstanding individual performers, including the best batter, best bowler, player of the tournament and best wicketkeeper.
Cricket aims to strengthen friendship
Fr Dominic Muriyankavunkal, captain of the Changanassery team, said the idea emerged after cricket-loving priests in the archdiocese formed a club and began playing together. The initiative later inspired other dioceses and denominations to form teams.
Organisers say the league is not merely about competition but also about building friendships across denominations and encouraging priests to remain physically active.
The initiative also seeks to promote face-to-face fellowship at a time when entertainment is increasingly centred on digital screens. For the organisers, cricket offers a simple way to bring people together through sport, friendship and shared enjoyment.