Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 1, 2021
Cricket enthusiasts would have an opportunity to watch a local version of IPL as four teams test their proficiency in the game at the Tamils Community Tournament in Auckland.
‘TN Premier League 2021,’ as the Tournament is called, will be held at the Kumeu Cricket Club, located at 529 State Highway 16 from April 2 to April 4, 2021.
Auctions and Appointments
The three-day Easter Weekend matches will see four teams playing for top honours.
They are the Marina Boys representing Chennai, Coimbatore Mapilais (Coimbatore), Vaigai Veerans (Madurai) and Theri Machans (Trichy or Tiruchirappalli).
The teams were chosen on auction basis like the IPL.
Each team selected 13 players, two of them rated as Star players.
Umpires for the Semi-Finals and Finals are from Auckland Cricket.
Organiser Mahesh Shan said that the Cricket Tournament is being held under the aegis of Kumeu Cricket Club.
“This is the first edition of the Cricket Tournament played by members of the Tamil community who have migrated from Tamil Nadu. As well as playing good Cricket, our objective is to encourage unity and foster healthy relationships among the members of all communities. We hope that the Tournament will be good beginning,” he said.
Widespread interest
He said that since the Tournament was announced, there has been expression of interest from members of the Tamil community in Wellington and Dunedin.
“This idea came up when I started to organise the Cricket Tournament for the Tamil Community in Auckland two months ago. I am fortunate to have the support of the Main Title Sponsor, Associate Sponsors, Co-Sponsors and friends,” Mr Shan said.
Thrive (Victor Fashions Limited) is the Title Sponsor of the Tournament; and Care and Cure Physiotherapy Limited, Renexus and Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam New Zealand are Associate Sponsors;
Team Owners Victor Fashions Limited, Blue Brown Housekeeping, DTR Consultants, Ammu’s Food, Scrap Mart and Symbionic have been listed as Co-Sponsors.
Cash Prizes and Trophies
The team that wins the Tournament will receive a cash prize of $750 and the team rated second will receive a cash award of $500.
In addition, the Best Batsman and Best Bowler will each receive $50 cash and a Trophy, while the Player of the Tournament will be awarded $100 cash and a Trophy.
One player from each team will also receive a Certificate of Appreciation after each game.
