The KCWA Cricket Cup 2025 was successfully organized by the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) on February 14 at the DCC Grounds in Sulaibiya, Kuwait. The tournament, open exclusively to KCWA members and their families, featured 12 teams competing in three categories: Men’s Regulars, Men’s Veterans, and Women’s Regulars. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of over 250 members, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere.
The tournament began with a prayer led by Roshan Rodrigues, followed by a welcome address from KCWA President Naveen Mascarenhas, who encouraged active participation. The opening ceremony, conducted by Prakash Gonsalves, saw the President and Management Committee members playing a few deliveries to mark the official start of the competition.
In the Men’s Regulars category, Team KMCC emerged as champions, defeating Canara XI in the final. The Men’s Veterans title went to Salmiya KICC, who overcame Team Xtreme in their final showdown. In the Women’s Regulars category, Red Sparks secured victory by defeating Daredevils in an exciting final match.
Several individual awards were introduced this year to recognize outstanding performances. In the Men’s Regulars category, Wilson Lobo (KMCC) won Best Batter, Friston Correa (KMCC) was named Best Bowler, and Melwin Dsouza (KMCC) earned the Player of the Finals award. Errel Jason Dsouza (KMCC) was recognized as Best Captain, while Joel Pinto (Canara XI) received the Fair Play Award.
In the Men’s Veterans category, Roshan Lawrence Menezes (Salmiya KICC) dominated with three accolades: Best Batter, Best Bowler, and Player of the Finals. Alfred Lobo (Salmiya KICC) won Best Captain, and Lancy Castelino (Team Xtreme) received the Fair Play Award. For the Women’s Regulars, Glenda Rekela Menezes (Daredevils) won Best Batter and Best Bowler, while Valentine Preema Dsouza (Red Sparks) was named Player of the Finals. Nancy Pinto (Canara XI) secured the Best Captain award, and Vinitha Dsouza (Infinity) received the Fair Play Award.
A special moment of the event was the recognition of Angel D Costa for her achievements in international and domestic cricket. Having represented Kuwait in the ICC Asia Qualifier and played for the U19 BCCI Goa State Team, she has been a key player in multiple high-profile matches. Her selection for the U23 High Performance Camp in Goa and her contribution to the Goa State Championship were highlighted as a source of pride for the Mangalorean community. She is the daughter of KCWA member Lavina Dsouza (Membership #2639).
The matches were officiated by the DCC Management, led by Riston Robin Cardoza, with Jayson Dsouza overseeing the final presentation ceremony. Sports Secretary Prakash Pinto delivered the vote of thanks. The event was made possible with the support of sponsors, including Steel United Factory (Prakash Gonsalves), Dalian International for Fire and Safety (Prashanth Ferrao), and contributions from Allan Joseph Pinto & Family, Prakash Pinto & Family, Prashanth Loyd Dsouza, and Reyan Lobo & Family. The DCC Management was acknowledged for providing the venue and ensuring smooth logistics.
Event documentation was managed by Alban Dsouza and Prashanth Ferrao, with social media updates handled by Allan Dsouza. The sound system was arranged by Roshan Rodrigues, while Mughal Tandoori Restaurant, Abbasiya, provided meals for attendees. Logistical support was coordinated by Prajwal Jaison Ferrao and Joseph Mascarenhas.
The tournament concluded with a closing prayer led by Johnson D Almeida, offering thanks for a successful event. The KCWA Cricket Cup 2025, efficiently coordinated by Sports Secretary Prakash Pinto, along with Jayson Dsouza, the Sports Committee, and the Managing Committee members, was a grand success.
