If BCCI grants nod, young Kiwi team will be star attraction in YSCA's golden jubilee cricket tourney

Chennai:The annual All India YSCA Trophy 30-over cricket tournament is the only event in India that was being held without any break for the last 50 years.And in its 50th successive edition that kicks off on May day, the organisers look back with pride and glory as it was the only tournament that has won the accolades of various outstation teams.

IOC, Mumbai, the winners of the last three editions, has once again confirmed its participation, not because of the meagre prize money offered by the YSCA, but for the quality of the cricket, Organising Secretary M S Gurumurthy told  reporters here on Monday night.

In all 54 teams would vie for honours in the golden jubilee edition of this tournament, including formidable BPCL, Mumbai, Indian Navy, Mumbai, Vijaya Bank, Bengaluru.

Running a tournament without any break for 50 years, that too without a major sponsor, is not a joke.But Mr Gurumurthy, who has been pooling his own resources, has ensured that the tournament continued unhindered.

His passion and love for the sport has been the hallmark of 'Guru's mantra.From a mere six teams in the first edition in 1970, the tournament hasgrown by leaps and bounds and has become the most sought after event for various teams, including local and outstation. 

''Perhaps, this is the only private cricket tourney with a 30 over format in India that has drawn interest from various outstation teams'', he said.''T-20 is too short, and 50 overs ODI is a bit long. That's why we wanted to continue with the 30-over format, though there has been a lot of pressure on me to make it a T-20 affair this year... We want to continue with the tradition 

of 30-over format, as this is the only tournament in India in this format'', Mr Gurumurthy said.

He said a team from Christchurch in New Zealand is likely to participate in the tournament, giving it an international flavour, once the BCCI gave its nod.

''We have given a representation to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) seeking permission to allow a team from New Zealand to participate in the tournament. The TNCA has forwarded our proposal to the BCCI. Once the BCCI gives the nod, the Kiwi team will participate'', Mr Gurumurthy said.

''Since the outstation teams were likely to play their matches only in the first week of June, we have enough time to get the confirmation from BCCI'', he said.

After the knock-out phase and super league, the final would be held on June 16 

and if the organisers managed to get a single or multiple sponsors, it would be a 

day night affair at the historic M A Chidambaram Stadium.(UNI)