P T Subramanyan
Auckland, May 31, 2025
Ernakulam Kings were unstoppable as they won the Kerala Premier League (KPL) Cricket Tournament following a dominating performance over the Thiruvananthapuram Little Masters recently.
Held at the Eden Park Outer Oval on April 4, 2025, the Tournament featured four teams competing in a total of six matches, with a structured leaderboard and points table. The matches were held on April 3 and April 4, 2025, bringing together players and fans for an action-packed weekend.
The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, which were played at the Ellerslie Cricket Club, setting the stage for the grand finale.
A Grand Final to Remember
In front of a large and passionate crowd from the migrant Kerala community, Ernakulam Kings posted an imposing 186 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. Batting stars Santosh Iyer and Jithin Ramachandran led the charge with stylish half-centuries, putting their team in a commanding position. They received their Championship Trophy and cash prize from Kripa Financial Solutions Director Simi Sethu.
Thiruvananthapuram Little Masters began the chase with high hopes but were undone by a sensational spell of bowling from Ernakulam’s Nidhin Raj. He tore through the batting lineup with figures of 4 for 15 in his four overs, restricting the Little Masters to 140 All Out. The team qualified for a Runner-Up Trophy from Ray White.
The final match was a thrilling contest, with the winning team securing victory in a closely fought battle. The Tournament also recognised standout performances, awarding the Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Player Of The Tournament accolades to deserving players.
The spirited contest drew praise from dignitaries and Cricket fans alike.
Auckland Cricket Association Chief Executive Ian Francis and Mt Roskill National MP Carlos Cheung were the Guests of Honour.
Celebration of Culture
The KPL 2025 was not just about Cricket. It was a celebration of Kerala’s rich sporting culture, with traditional performances, cuisine stalls, and community engagement activities adding to the festive atmosphere. The event attracted local and international players, making it a highly competitive tournament that showcased both emerging and seasoned talent.
The annual event has grown into a cornerstone of cultural and sporting pride for the Kerala Diaspora in New Zealand. This year’s edition featured eight franchise teams named after districts from Kerala, with players selected through an exciting auction process earlier in the season. The group-stage matches were held at Keith Hay Park in Mt Roskill, attracting enthusiastic crowds and showcasing fierce competition.
(Photo Supplied)
Our Reporter adds
Beyond the competition, the Tournament succeeded in uniting the Kerala community in Auckland, celebrating not just sport but also identity, camaraderie, and cultural pride.
As the cheers faded and the trophies were lifted, the 2025 KPL left behind memories of passion, performance, and pride, promising even greater excitement in the years to come.
Beyond the Cricketing action, the event fostered a sense of community, with cultural programmes, traditional Kerala cuisine, and family-friendly activities adding to the festive atmosphere. The KPL has grown into a significant sporting event, strengthening ties within the Kerala diaspora and promoting cricket at a grassroots level.
The Kerala Premier League brought together Cricket enthusiasts from across New Zealand for a thrilling showcase of talent and sportsmanship. It celebrated both the competitive spirit of cricket and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Featuring multiple teams representing different regions, the KPL 2025 saw intense matches, electrifying performances, and nail-biting finishes. Players displayed exceptional skill, with standout performances from emerging talents and seasoned cricketers alike. The tournament was structured in a league format, culminating in a grand finale that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
P T Subramanyan is a former Ranji Trophy Captain from Kerala. He lives in Auckland.
