50 Years - Coimbatore District Cricket Association
South versus North clash at the Forest College grounds in Coimbatore in 1992. By any standards, it has been a pretty momentous 50 years for Coimbatore District Cricket Association (CDCA). There certainly would have been ups and downs, but CDCA now looks back with measured pride the manner in which they built this strong institution.Started in 1957 with only five clubs to boast of as its members, CDCA has now grown ten fold. Thanks to the efforts taken by many eminent men such as G.K. Sundaram, G.R. Damodaran, G.R. Govindarajulu, K. Srinivasan and R. Krishnaswamy.The foundation laid by these men is being further strengthened by the current crop headed by D. Lakshminarayanswamy. And, with the experienced G.R. Prasad as its secretary it has been a smooth ride for CDCA. The duo has not only played a vital role in district cricket but has also done its job for the State Association. Interestingly, both have played for the district team.
P.R. Ramakrishnan and Sunil Haridas, who are the vice presidents along with K. Narayanaswamy, Prassath Shanmugam and Ashwin Chandran, have had the privilege of playing for Tamil Nadu. So, it’s a good bunch of cricketing brains that are getting the calculations right for the CDCA.Coming to the organising part, CDCA has hosted Ranji Trophy matches between Madras and Mysore; Madras and Kerala States.
It has also produced talented cricketers in K.S. Vaidyanathan, Peter Fernandes, N.P. Madhavan, M. Senthilnathan and V.B. Chandrasekar, who have played for the State. VB not only played for Tamil Nadu but for the country as well. Indian cricketer Robin Singh, who is currently the fielding coach for the Indian team, started his career in Coimbatore.Having turned fifty, CDCA looks to strengthen its infrastructure. “We are planning to conduct a ‘musical nite’ to raise funds in this regard on August 24,” said Mr. Lakshminarayanaswamy.
How about support from the TNCA? “The TNCA has always come forward to help the districts but we need to play our part as well. We need funds for the development of grounds, water facilities and relaying the wickets. We plan to do two grounds every year,” he added. CDCA is also in the process of setting up a full-fledged grassed cricket ground for the conduct of Ranji and Duleep Trophy matches.
It also intends to set up an academy at the same place with the help of the TNCA. “If things work right we may eventually make this ground suitable for international matches,” said Mr. Lakshminarayanaswamy.To make it a gala golden jubilee year, CDCA conducted one T20 tournament for the league teams, and plans to launch another this weekend. The year-long celebration will culminate in a grand finale at SNR Sons auditorium on Saturday.
CDCA will be honouring past presidents, captains of senior district cricket teams, teams that have played for the last 50 years, league institutions that have supported by providing grounds and many others. Minister for Rural Industries, Pongalur N. Palaniswamy will be the chief guest. N. Srinvasan, treasurer, BCCI and president of TNCA will preside.
