Pakyong, April 07: The Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2026 in Pakyong District, featuring the Kalu Ram Thirani Cup for Under-16 boys and the Murray Cup for Under-19 girls, commenced at Dikling School Ground on Tuesday.
Organised by the Pakyong District Cricket Committee in collaboration with the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA), the tournament includes eighteen schools in the Under-16 boys’ category and ten schools in the Under-19 girls’ category. The event aims to promote cricket at the school level and provide a platform for nurturing young talent.
The inaugural programme was attended by SICA President Tika Subba, who served as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included SDM Pakyong NK Bhandari, BDO Pakyong Sangay Tamang, Assistant RTO Durga Pd Sharma, Principal of Dikling Senior Secondary School Deepak Sharma, former Joint Director of Education Mr BP Sharma, and SICA Treasurer Biren Gurung.
Speaking at the event, Subba emphasised the significance of the Kalu Ram Thirani Cup and the Murray Cup in the development of cricket in Sikkim. He highlighted the revival of these tournaments and encouraged players to focus on performance, technical skills, and practical gameplay, assuring support from the association for all participants.
On the inaugural day, two Under-16 boys’ matches were played. In the first match, PM SHRI Dikling Senior Secondary School defeated Lingtam Secondary School by 9 wickets, chasing 66 runs with a score of 70 for one in 8.2 overs. Master Sujal Rai of Dikling Senior Secondary School was named Player of the Match.
In the second match, Rangpo Senior Secondary School beat Phadamchen Secondary School by 117 runs. Rangpo scored 163 for five in 15 overs, while Phadamchen was all out for 46 in 12 overs. Master Tshering Topgyal Bhutia of Rangpo Senior Secondary School was adjudged Player of the Match.
The tournament is being held on a knockout basis, with losing teams eliminated at each stage. The finals are scheduled at the Sikkim Cricket Ground, Mining.
Members of the Pakyong District Cricket Committee and SICA were also present during the event.
