Media Release
Bantwal, Nov 4: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Nirkan unit, organized a limited-overs cricket tournament for the parishioners of Nirkan, the Nirkan Premier League 2025 on November 2 at St Thomas School Ground, Nirkan.
All six teams entered the ground in line as the Nirkan Premier League 2025 Anthem, specially created for the occasion, was played.
Arwin Fernandes, president of ICYM Nirkan unit, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, team owners, icons, players, cricket lovers, and all those present on the occasion.
The inauguration programme was graced by Fr Anil Roshan Lobo, parish priest of Nirkan church and director of ICYM Nirkan, who presided over the event as the president of the event. He was accompanied by Vincent Bennis, vice president of the PPC and animator of ICYM Nirkan; Shanti Veigas, secretary of the PPC; Sr Severine Fernandes, superior of Holy Family Bethany Convent, Nirkan and headmistress of St Thomas School, Nirkan-Vogga; Arwin Fernandes, president of ICYM Nirkan unit and Melvita Crasta, secretary of ICYM Nirkan unit.
The tournament trophies were inaugurated by Fr Anil Roshan Lobo, who also delivered a brief address following the inauguration, officially marking the commencement of the Nirkan Premier League 2025 Cricket Tournament.
Six teams participated in the tournament, namely:
1. JARS United Nirkan, owned by Stany Lobo
2. Nirkan Bulls, owned by Vincent Bennis
3. Nirkan Ikons, owned by Ivan Crasta
4. Nirkan Sangathi, owned by Austin Lobo
5. Rising Stars Nirkan, owned by Vinitha Rodrigues
6. Shepherd XI Nirkan, owned by Melwyn D'Souza
Each team consisting of nine players.
As part of the inauguration program, mementos and roses were presented as a token of appreciation to all the team owners.
Vinol Crasta, vice president of ICYM Nirkan, explained the scoring zones such as boundaries and other match rules.
Fr Anil Roshan Lobo, ICYM director, batted first and officially inaugurated the tournament, followed by Sr Severine Fernandes, who also took a symbolic strike.
Lunch was served in the afternoon, followed by a vibrant flash mob performed by the ICYM members along with the icon players.
JARS United Nirkan, owned by Stany Lobo with Joyson Baretto as the captain and icon, emerged as the winners. Nirkan Sangathi, owned by Austin Lobo with Preetham Manil D’Souza as the captain and icon, were declared the runners-up. The rolling champions trophy was presented to JARS United Nirkan.
In the final match, the man of the match award was presented to Joyson Baretto, captain of JARS United Nirkan. The man of the series title was awarded to Praveen Rodrigues from the Nirkan Bulls team. Preetham Manil D’Souza was named best batsman, while Vincent Bennis received the best bowler award.
During the valedictory programme, a token of gratitude was presented to the commentator Noel Santhumayor, umpire Nithish, and scorer Priya D’Souza.
The presentation ceremony was led by Melwyn D’Souza. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Melvita Crasta, secretary of ICYM Nirkan. The programme was compered by Leesha Lobo, treasurer of ICYM Nirkan.
Overall, the programme went smoothly. The NPL 2025 anthem, specially created for the event, was also played on the ground.