Mokokchung, July 7 (MTNews): The 3rd edition of the Aongza and Kichutip Cricket Fraternity Cup was played from 4th July to 7th July at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung where 6 teams participated with Star Brothers emerging as the champions. Star Brothers have now won all three editions of the tournament.
The final match was played between Star Brothers and Kichutip Sporting Association. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, KSA scored 83/9 in their allotted 15 overs. Star Brothers in reply chased down the target in just 8.4 overs (84/3) with man of the match Neehal scoring 45 not out. The match was to be played in the T20 format but was reduced to 15-overs a side due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Aongza and Kichutip Cricket Fraternity was started in the year 2019 with the objective of promoting youngsters and the game of cricket in the two wards and Mokokchung in general. The fraternity aims to bring about a revival in the game which in recent years has seen a decline in the district. Accordingly, plans are in the offing to bring about coaching camps for players, umpires and scorers, including seminars.
The AKCF Cup was started years back when it was first played as a triangular series between 3 teams of Aongza ward. It was initially named Aongza Summer Series because, during those days, Kichutip Ward was yet to be bifurcated from Aongza Ward. The Summer Series slowly started to gain momentum and more teams from Aongza and Kichutip joined the tournament as years went by.
It was played during the summer season, usually during the summer vacation. But still, it remained an unofficial tournament played between various teams from the two Wards. After a while, due to various reasons, the cup wasn’t played for a few years. Seeing the need to promote cricket, the seniors from the two Wards came together and tried to revive and revamp the cricket series, this time making it “official.” The dream was finally realized in 2019 after thorough talks with the Mokokchung District Cricket Association. Incidentally, the then President of MDCA, Er. Chubatoshi, graced the occasion at the formal launching program of the Aongza and Kichutip Cricket Fraternity office.
This fraternity is also registered with the MDCA and has been participating in the MDCA trophy, and even stood as runners up on one occasion. AKCF has some interesting plans in the pipeline for the promotion of the gentleman’s game in Mokokchung.