Tag: Oxford Cricket Club

Sports

Junior Cricket Championship 2026 Set to Bowl Off in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Junior Cricket Championship 2026 is all set to bring an exciting wave of grassroots cricket action to Goa as young talents gear up to showcase their skills from February 25 to 28. Organised by Oxford Cricket Club, the tournament will be held across two venues—Arlem Ground in Margao and Chicalim Ground in Vasco—creating a competitive yet nurturing environment for budding cricketers.

Spanning four days, the championship will feature three key age categories—U-15, U-14, and U-13—ensuring a broad platform for emerging players at different stages of development. Matches will follow a 25-over format, scheduled across morning and afternoon sessions, allowing for a packed and engaging tournament structure. The league stage will culminate in a third-place playoff and the grand finale on February 28, promising a thrilling conclusion.

A total of eight teams have been divided into two groups, setting the stage for intense competition. Group A includes Dhadsakal Star, AK Rangers, Banjara Cricket Club and Ghumteshwar, while Group B features Oxford, MCC, Panjim Challengers and Porvorim Panthers. With teams evenly matched, the championship is expected to deliver high-energy encounters leading into the knockout rounds.

The tournament, powered by CricHeroes, reflects a growing emphasis on structured cricket at the grassroots level in Goa. Speaking about the initiative, JCC President Romeen Mulam shared that the idea stemmed from a noticeable gap in organised opportunities for young players. While tennis-ball cricket tournaments and auctions are common among adults, similar platforms for children were largely absent until recent efforts.

Mulam recalled that the club itself was founded two decades ago in Dubai under the guidance of Mukhtar Khadri, with a vision to create meaningful cricketing opportunities. Bringing that vision to Goa, the championship aims to bridge the gap and offer young players a chance to experience competitive cricket in a professional setup.

The response to the tournament has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite initially capping participation at 150 players, registrations surged to 196, reflecting strong interest from both players and parents. This enthusiasm underlines the growing appetite for structured sporting opportunities among Goa’s youth.

Mulam also acknowledged the support extended by the Goa Cricket Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, which has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. Their involvement further strengthens the credibility and scale of the championship.

Beyond the matches and competition, the organisers envision the Junior Cricket Championship as a long-term initiative that will become a staple in Goa’s sporting calendar. By providing consistent exposure and a professional framework, the tournament seeks to nurture talent at an early stage and contribute to the development of future cricket stars from the region.

As the tournament gets underway, cricket enthusiasts, parents and supporters are invited to witness the action unfold and cheer on the next generation of Goan cricketers. With high energy, competitive spirit and raw talent on display, the Junior Cricket Championship 2026 promises to be a celebration of youth, passion and the future of cricket in Goa.

Sports

Goa Awaits Its First National Cricket Icon, Says BJP State President Damu Naik

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

BJP State President Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik expressed optimism that Goa will soon produce a national-level cricketer who can emerge as a definitive icon for the state. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Grand Auction of the Junior Cricket Championship (JCC), organised by the Oxford Cricket Club at Borda, Margao.

The Junior Cricket Championship is scheduled to be held from February 25 to 28, with matches to be played at venues in Arlem, Margao, and Vasco–Chicalim. The tournament will feature three age-group categories — Under-15, Under-14 and Under-13 — aimed at nurturing talent at an early stage.

The auction marked an important milestone for the championship, bringing together team owners, young players, organisers and officials. Among those present were JCC President Romeen Mulam, Mentor Sandeep Naik, and former Ranji cricketer and former Goa Under-19 coach Robin D’Souza.

Addressing the gathering, Naik noted that while cricketing infrastructure was once a challenge in Goa, the progress made in recent years has been significant. He highlighted the tournament’s theme, “Fueling the Future,” and said platforms like the JCC are enabling young players to thrive. He also acknowledged the growing role of parents, who are increasingly investing in their children’s nutrition, fitness and training. According to him, Goa is now simply waiting for one player to break through at the national level and become a symbol of the state’s cricketing potential.

Sharing the journey of the Oxford Cricket Club, Romeen Mulam said the initiative began over two decades ago in Dubai under Mukhtar Khadri. While auctions are common in tennis-ball cricket for adults, he identified a gap in similar opportunities for children. He noted that the response to the championship has been overwhelming, with 196 players registering despite an initial cap of 150.

Mentor Sandeep Naik, a former Ranji cricketer and coach, stressed the importance of parental support in the development of young athletes. He said the platform is not about winning or losing, but about giving children an opportunity to showcase their talent, while thanking the owners of the eight teams for their support.

Former Ranji player Robin D’Souza praised the initiative, stating that such foundations are crucial for long-term growth. He observed that the standard of Goan cricket has already improved at the junior level, particularly in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories, and expressed confidence that the upward trajectory will continue.