Panaji: Aryan Narvekar has been appointed captain of the Goa U-23 Men’s team for the upcoming Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy match against Baroda, to be played from January 23 to January 26, 2026, at the GCA Ground, Sanguem.
The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) announced a 17-member squad for the prestigious domestic four-day tournament. The team combines experienced campaigners with promising young talent, as Goa looks to deliver a strong performance on home turf.
Narvekar’s appointment as captain reflects the selectors’ confidence in his leadership abilities and on-field maturity. The squad includes a balanced mix of batters, all-rounders, bowlers, and wicketkeeping options, offering depth across departments.
With familiar conditions in their favour, the Goa U-23 side will aim to challenge a formidable Baroda team and secure valuable points in the tournament.
The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has announced with pride that Mr. Mahesh Dessai, President of the Goa Cricket Association, has been appointed as the Team Manager for the upcoming India vs New Zealand series, scheduled to be played in India.
The appointment is a significant honour for Goa cricket and reflects the confidence reposed in Dessai’s administrative acumen, leadership abilities, and deep understanding of the game, both as a former player and an administrator.
Expressing his gratitude, Dessai said, “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and thankful to ICC Chairmam, Jay Shah. As well as the President, Secretary and the Managing Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is a privilege to serve Indian cricket at the national level.”
He further added that the recognition is a collective achievement for Goa cricket. “This appointment is not just personal, but a reflection of the disciplined administration, professionalism, and consistent efforts of the Goa Cricket Association over the years. I will carry out my responsibilities as Team Manager with utmost sincerity and dedication, while upholding the values and standards of Indian cricket,” Dessai stated.
The Goa Cricket Association has congratulated Mahesh Dessai on this prestigious appointment and wished him success in his assignment with the Indian team during the India–New Zealand series.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai and Secretary Tulsidas Shetye attended the prize distribution ceremony of the 21st All Goa Season Ball Cricket Tournament, popularly known as the Manorva Cup, organised by the Manorva Sports and Cultural Club at the Chapora Panchayat Ground. Their presence added significance to the concluding ceremony of one of Goa’s well-known local cricket tournaments.
Addressing the gathering, Mahesh Dessai, a former Ranji player, appreciated the efforts of the local MLA for initiating the development of a cricket ground in the area. He emphasised that proper infrastructure plays a vital role in strengthening cricket at the grassroots level and provides young players with the right environment to grow and excel. He also urged budding cricketers to remain disciplined, focused and committed to the sport.
Dessai highlighted the Goa Cricket Association’s ongoing initiatives to establish rural cricket centres across the state. These centres aim to identify talent from villages, nurture young players and offer them opportunities to progress to higher levels of competitive cricket.
GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye echoed similar sentiments and congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the tournament. He noted that the Manorva Cup has consistently contributed to promoting cricket across Goa and encouraging participation at the community level.
In the final match, Mauli Sports Club, Nadora registered a dominant nine-wicket victory over Prestige 11. Batting first, Prestige 11 were bowled out for 136 runs in 19.3 overs. Mauli Sports Club chased the target comfortably, scoring 139 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 14.1 overs. Yogesh Kauthankar impressed with the ball for Mauli, claiming three wickets for 13 runs, while Sankalp Gawas remained unbeaten on 55 and Sachin Gawas scored an unbeaten 65 to seal a convincing win.
The successful conclusion of the 21st Manorva Cup once again underlined the importance of local tournaments in nurturing cricketing talent and sustaining the spirit of the game across Goa.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai has presented an ambitious and forward-looking vision aimed at transforming the cricketing landscape in Goa through transparency, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to talent development. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to GCA members and clubs for placing their trust in his leadership, Dessai emphasized that his mission is to build an ecosystem where every cricketer in the state — from budding players at the grassroots to those competing at senior levels — receives the infrastructure, coaching, and opportunities they need to excel. He reiterated that the GCA under his guidance will operate with complete transparency and accountability, ensuring that faith in the system is restored and strengthened.
Highlighting the power of inspiration in sport, Dessai referenced India’s recent triumph in the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, where Australia were bowled out for 337 and Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a match-winning performance that captivated the nation. He noted that such remarkable achievements become possible when athletes are supported with strong structures, belief, and consistent opportunities — the very elements he aims to bring into Goan cricket.
Dessai’s vision includes a comprehensive plan to upgrade existing stadiums, enhance ground facilities, and develop new turf wickets and indoor practice centres across the state. He stressed the importance of strengthening grassroots cricket by introducing structured coaching programs and expanding inter-school and inter-district tournaments to scout promising young talent. A significant part of his vision focuses on boosting women’s cricket through dedicated training hubs, tournaments, and mentorship programs designed to encourage greater participation and skill development among women players in Goa.
Ensuring good governance remains a key element of his roadmap, with a strong push for merit-based selections, regular financial audits, and transparent communication with member clubs. He also aims to invest in capacity building by facilitating certification and refresher courses for coaches and umpires so that the technical quality of cricket in Goa continues to rise. Dessai emphasized the importance of collaboration with the BCCI, clubs, academies, and schools, stating that unified efforts will help make Goan cricket more competitive and professionally managed.
Additionally, the new GCA leadership is keen on reviving inter-office, corporate, and veterans’ tournaments to re-energize community engagement with the sport. Plans are also underway to introduce initiatives at the community level to bring fans closer to cricket and foster a more vibrant sporting culture. With Mahesh Dessai at the helm, the Goa Cricket Association is poised to usher in a stronger, more inclusive, and purpose-driven era for cricket in the state, aiming to provide every deserving player the platform they need to shine.
The Goa Cricket Association’s Senior Women’s Team kicked off their campaign in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy (Elite Group) 2025 with a remarkable victory over Uttarakhand by 13 runs. The match, which took place on Tuesday, saw a resilient Goa side deliver a well-rounded performance to defend a modest total of 121 and bowl out the opposition in the full 20 overs.
After being put in to bat, Goa posted 121/9 on the board, with a quickfire knock of 24 runs off just 11 balls from Purvaja Verlekar giving the innings a much-needed late push. Despite early setbacks, the team managed to string together vital contributions that helped them reach a competitive score.
In the second innings, Goa’s bowlers rose to the occasion with a disciplined and aggressive display. Tanaya Naik emerged as the star performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 wickets for 19 runs in just 3 overs, earning her the Player of the Match award. She was supported brilliantly by Shrey, who kept things tight and claimed 3 wickets for just 16 runs in her 4 overs.
Uttarakhand, despite a few solid individual efforts, could not build any lasting partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 108. Goa’s fielding and bowling unit maintained pressure throughout the chase, never letting the opposition gain momentum.
The Goa Cricket Association’s Managing Committee congratulated the Senior Women’s Team on this fantastic opening win and extended their best wishes for the rest of the tournament. This strong start not only boosts team morale but also signals Goa’s intent to make a deep run in this year’s competition.
With teamwork, discipline, and standout individual performances, the Goa Women’s Cricket Team is off to a flying start in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.
