By Manjunath K. Shresthi
November 18, 2025
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Cricket in the subcontinent is a religion and its devotees are to be found everywhere. There are multiple playing formats, and currently T20 matches are the flavour of the season.
Urban dwellers with deep pockets and excellent grounds to play are a privileged lot. But the game transcends all boundaries, and it’s played with equal zest even in the country side.
One such cricketing tournament concluded at Vaidya Heggar in Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada (UK) district, northwest Karnataka. There’s a scenic playground in the lap of nature, and it has its charms. All matches are planned and played like thorough professionals. It may not have huge resources, but the format of the short version of cricket is followed in letter and spirit.
For two days on November 15 & 16; 20 league matches were held; there were Qualifiers 1 & 2; an Eliminator; a Semi Final & Final match, with a total of 25 matches played with the tennis ball. A total of five teams participated: each team has 13 players, and 11 of them play. Rs. 4000 is the entry fee. A prize money of Rs. 15,000 & 10,000 to the winning team & the runner up respectively was given. Each team can bid and there are team owners. All players have to wear matching jerseys and sports shoes.
The participants are Siddi’s representing different teams from the geographically large Uttara Kannada (UK) district. It’s a community game played with fervor. The players were awarded the best bowler; best batsman and the man of the match. Huge trophies to the winner & runner up, and medals of honour to both teams were given.
Siddi’s excelling in different fields were present. One of the prominent person was Adv. Jairam Siddi. The trophy prize sponsored by Nagappa Siddi. For two days: meals for all participating teams and players were provided by Subraya Siddi from nearby Gullapur. Cricket enthusiast Santosh Siddi worked with others to make it a huge success.
The sporting event is unmissable and looked forward to by all the players. On both days, there were many cricket enthusiasts and spectators from nearby villages to support the teams.
