A young boy holding a cricket bat on the dusty grounds of a small town and dreaming of playing before cheering crowds on the big stage is no longer a fantasy but a realistic dream, said Atsungba Walling, ADC Mokokchung and CEO, MMC, while addressing the gathering as special guest during the inaugural of the Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026.
Now in its 34th edition, Walling congratulated and applauded the MDCA for its continued efforts in promoting the gentleman’s game in Mokokchung by organizing the tournament over the years and initiating other development activities despite logistical and infrastructure constraints. Stating that the game of cricket offers unlimited opportunities to enthusiasts both on and off the field, from support staff to analysts, he encouraged players to continue pursuing their passion for the game. He maintained that in India there is no professional sporting prospect quite like cricket.
President of the MDCA, Imlikumzuk Longkumer, speaking at the inaugural programme, said that the MDCA, under the aegis of the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), is constructing an all-weather practice pitch. He thanked the NCA for its support as well as the landowners, district administration, and the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC) for their cooperation.
The Nagaland Cricket Association is now a full member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), formally affiliated since 2018. The BCCI is widely considered the richest cricket board in the world, with a net worth exceeding $2.2 billion. Since its domestic debut in September 2018 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Nagaland now hosts and participates in BCCI-sanctioned events for senior and youth categories, including Men’s U-16, U-19, U-23, and women’s teams.
On the sidelines of the MDCA Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026 inaugural, Atsungba Walling, who also used to play in the MDCA tournament representing Zircon CC during the 1990s, recalled how the annual cricket tournament was a much-awaited event in the town. With only one major cricket tournament year-round, more than 20 teams used to participate in those days. Many teams from rural areas also took part in the tournament.
In contrast, the number of clubs participating in the tournament has drastically dwindled in Mokokchung in recent years. The quality of the game and the overall management of the tournament, from umpiring to scorekeeping, have improved, but the number of players has evidently decreased, with only five teams participating in the current tournament.
While the MDCA has been exerting utmost effort to resuscitate the game, and opportunities are opening up for talented and passionate youngsters, particularly after Nagaland got full BCCI membership, the game fails to attract the following it once enjoyed during the 1990s and early 2000s. Although not yet formalized, the MDCA president acknowledged the idea of introducing a 35+ cricket series for players older than 35 years. This would not only provide a platform for competitive cricket for past players but also strengthen the fan base, thereby reinvigorating the cricket ecosystem and indirectly benefiting youngsters.
Currently, without any formal cricket academy in Mokokchung, some talented youngsters have already carved a niche for themselves in the sport. Odilemba, who plays for the local club United Brothers CC, has played for the state U-23 team and was recently selected for the state senior team. Siblings Amongti and Salangdangba have been playing for the state U-19 team. They play for Sovran CC locally.
To encourage a balance between quality and the promotion of local talent, the MDCA allows two ‘outstation’ players in the playing XI for each team. Interested fans can follow the tournament for live match updates on cricheroes.com
In the inaugural match of the tournament, defending champions United Brothers began their title defense campaign on a strong note, defeating Trebuchet CC by 4 wickets. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Trebuchet made a steady start with their wicketkeeper Imlitemjen scoring 25 runs off 16 balls. His opening partner Imlikokba fell cheaply for just 3 in the fourth over. A quick-fire 30 off 11 balls by Ganesh Sharmah, which included three maximums, and a well-played 54 (39) by Temsuwati Jamir helped Trebuchet CC pile up a formidable total of 162/7 in 20 overs.
United Brothers’ skipper Nripen Rai claimed two wickets but was expensive, giving away 34 runs in three overs. Mughavi Sumi, Chubamaong, Hem, and Arjun Rai picked one wicket each.
In reply, United Brothers lost their top order in quick succession, with Imnayanger rattling the stumps in the very first over to bowl Tiasunep out for 6. Imnayanger then dismissed Daniel Rai (2) and Mughavi Sumi (8) in the third over. Continuing his attack, Imnayanger had United skipper Nripen Rai caught behind the stumps for naught, leaving the defending champions struggling at 25/4 in the fifth over and the required run rate climbing.
However, Hem steadied the innings for United, scoring a solid 58 (43), including nine boundaries and a maximum. Despite the top-order collapse, United’s batting depth showed maturity as the middle-order batsmen took the game away from a spirited Trebuchet side. Imnatoshi (26) provided much-needed support to Hem in his Player of the Match knock. Merenkaba (47 off 27) and Imtisunep (11 off 8) remained not out and ensured their team reached the target with 10 balls to spare.
Imnayanger (4/34) was the pick of the bowlers for Trebuchet CC, while Ganesh Sharmah (2/36) was the only other successful bowler for his team.
The second match of the day was interrupted by adverse weather conditions, with former champions Titans CC winning the match against Tritons CC via the DLS method by 3 runs. Earlier, Tritons CC won the toss and opted to bat first. However, Arjun Kumar Yadav dismissed Hiketo Aye off the very second ball with the score at 0/1. Moatemsu then dismissed Meyisanen and Shamphri Terang in successive deliveries in the second over to build pressure on Tritons.
Temjenmeren (44 off 20), Anoksangba (39 off 38), and Nokchasangba (18 off 35) were the top scorers for Tritons, helping the team reach 151/6 in 20 overs.
Moatemsu picked two wickets, while Yadav, Vijay Rai, Odilemba, and Rongsenwati took one wicket each for Titans CC.
Titans’ innings was later interrupted by weather conditions, forcing the match to be decided via the DLS method. Titans were batting at 120/6 in 15.3 overs, with Arjun Kumar Yadav on 56 (31) and Manen on 12 (9), after another top-order collapse in which none of the other batsmen reached double digits. Sensosang and Chubaodang picked three wickets each for Tritons.