Participants, organisers, and officials at the inaugural programme of the 34th Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on March 9.
United Brothers defeat Trebuchet CC, Tritons CC beat Titans CC
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | March 9
The 34th Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026 got underway in Mokokchung’s Imkongmeren Sports Complex on March 9.
On the opening day of the tournament, defending champions United Brothers defeated Trebuchet CC by four wickets. Trebuchet posted 162/7 in 20 overs, with Temsuwati Jamir scoring 54 and Ganesh Sharmah contributing a quick 30. United Brothers recovered from an early collapse, with Hem scoring 58 and Merenkaba remaining unbeaten on 47 to guide the team to victory with 10 balls to spare.
In the second match, Titans CC defeated Tritons CC by three runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after rain interrupted play. Tritons had earlier scored 151/6 in 20 overs, with Temjenmeren top-scoring with 44. Titans were at 120/6 in 15.3 overs when weather forced the match to be decided by the DLS method.
Atsungba Walling, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mokokchung and CEO of Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) was the special guest of the inaugural programme.
Addressing the inaugural programme Walling said that the image of a young boy holding a cricket bat on the dusty grounds of a small town and dreaming of playing before cheering crowds on the big stage is no longer a fantasy but a realistic aspiration.
Congratulating the MDCA for sustaining the tournament over the years despite logistical and infrastructure constraints, Walling said cricket offers unlimited opportunities for enthusiasts both on and off the field, including roles such as analysts and support staff. “In India, there is no professional sporting prospect quite like cricket,” he remarked, encouraging young players to pursue their passion for the game.
MDCA president Imlikumzuk Longkumer informed that the association, under the aegis of the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), is currently constructing an all-weather practice pitch. He acknowledged the support of the NCA, the district administration, landowners, and the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC) in advancing cricket development in the district.
The NCA became a full member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2018, enabling Nagaland to host and participate in BCCI-sanctioned tournaments across multiple categories, including senior men, U-16, U-19, U-23, and women’s teams.
Recalling his own days as a player representing Zircon CC in the 1990s, Walling said the MDCA tournament was once a much-awaited annual sporting event in Mokokchung, with more than 20 teams—including several from rural areas—participating. In contrast, the current edition features only five teams, reflecting a noticeable decline in participation despite improvements in match management, umpiring, and scorekeeping.
In an effort to revive interest in the sport, the MDCA is also considering introducing a 35+ cricket series for former players, which could help strengthen the local fan base and inspire younger cricketers.
Meanwhile, several local players have continued to make strides in the sport. Odilemba of United Brothers CC has represented Nagaland at the U-23 level and was recently selected for the state senior team, while siblings Amongti and Salangdangba—who play for Sovran CC—have represented the state in the U-19 category.
