Sports

Lawyer Challengers Crowned Advocates Cricket League 2025โ€“26 Champions


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Lawyer Challengers produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Legal Titans by 45 runs and clinch the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) 2025โ€“26 title in the grand final played at the GCA Academy Ground, Porvorim, on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Lawyer Challengers elected to bat first and posted an imposing total of 184 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began on a shaky note as Dattaprasad Shirodkar and Rushab Sawaikar were dismissed early, leaving the team at 32 for 2. However, Swapnil Kambli and skipper Achit Shigwan steadied the innings with a crucial partnership to rebuild momentum.

Captain Achit Shigwan then led from the front, playing an aggressive yet composed knock. He reached his half-century in just 27 balls, smashing seven boundaries and two sixes. Vrusaj Talaulikar provided excellent support, and the duo added a vital 49-run stand that set the foundation for a formidable total. Talaulikar remained unbeaten on 53 off 34 balls, while Shailesh Redkar chipped in with a quick 27 not out to push the score beyond 180.

In response, Legal Titans faced early setbacks as Parag Veluskar and Iftikhar Agha struck in quick succession to remove the openers. Captain Pravin Gawas and Kyle Ticlo attempted a recovery with a brisk partnership, but once Ticlo was dismissed, the Titans lost momentum and wickets fell at regular intervals. The innings eventually folded for 139 in 19.1 overs, sealing a convincing victory for Lawyer Challengers.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by High Court Judge Justice Ashwin Damodar Bhobe as the chief guest, along with District Judge Irshad Agha and senior advocates. Justice Bhobe praised the organisers for conducting a successful and well-contested tournament, highlighting the sporting spirit displayed throughout the season.

Tournament organiser Advocate Iftikhar Agha said the seventh edition of the ACL T-20 once again reflected the growing enthusiasm for cricket among the legal fraternity. Six teams participated in the tournament, which commenced on December 21, 2025, making the season competitive and memorable.

With standout performances throughout the tournament, Lawyer Challengers deservedly lifted the trophy, marking a fitting conclusion to another successful edition of the Advocates Cricket League.

Sports

Advocates Cricket League Season 7 to Begin December 21 in Goa


Panaji: The much-anticipated seventh season of the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) is set to commence on December 21, promising thrilling T20 action featuring teams from Goaโ€™s vibrant legal fraternity. League matches will be hosted at Chicalim, Vasco, while the semi-finals and final will take place at the prestigious Goa Cricket Association (GCA) ground in Porvorim.

Following a successful auction conducted at the High Court premises in Porvorim, all participating franchises have finalised their 16-member squads. The league phase will run from December 21 to December 29, with two matches scheduled daily at 9.15 am and 1.30 pm. December 25 will be observed as a holiday, with no matches scheduled.

The opening day will see 18 Juners face Lotlikar Lions in the morning fixture, followed by Lawyer Challengers taking on United Brothers in the afternoon. Other notable league encounters include Risers versus Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions against United Brothers, and several high-voltage clashes involving Lawyer Challengers, 18 Juners, and Risers.

At the conclusion of the league stage, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled on January 9, 2026. The first semi-final will see Rank 1 play Rank 4 at 9.15 am, followed by Rank 2 versus Rank 3 at 1.30 pm. The grand finale, to be played under floodlights, is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 6.00 pm.

ACL President Iftikhar Agha expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, stating that the league has grown stronger with every passing season. He highlighted the enthusiasm shown by team owners and players during the auction, emphasizing that the league aims to promote healthy competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship while providing a professional platform for advocates to showcase their cricketing talent.

Defending champions UB Warriors will look to retain their title, while teams including Lawyer Challengers, Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions, Risers, United Brothers, and 18 Juners aim to make a strong mark in what promises to be a closely contested season.

With the Season 7 trophy unveiled and fixtures announced, excitement continues to build as the Advocates Cricket League prepares to deliver another memorable chapter in Goaโ€™s sporting calendar.