The First Department Premier League, organized by the Department Cricket Development Committee of Uttarakhand, marked a significant milestone in the state’s sports history. Held from November 5 to November 20, 2022, in Dehradun, this cricket league showcased the talent and competitive spirit of government department employees, offering them a platform to display their cricketing skills. The tournament featured eight teams: Tax Flickers, Health Soul Spartan, Irrigation Avengers, Urja Power Panthers, IT Warriors, Food Warriors, Agriculture Super Warriors, and Royal Sports. This landmark event not only celebrated the spirit of cricket but also fostered camaraderie and teamwork among the participants.
Teams and Participants
The league saw the participation of eight diverse teams, each representing a different department or sector:
- GST ERIC – Representing the GST department, this team brought a mix of experienced and young players, showcasing strategic play.
- Health Soul Spartan – Comprising members from the health sector, this team emphasized fitness and agility on the field.
- Irrigation Avengers – Known for their robust bowling attack, this team was one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
- Urja Power Panthers – Representing the energy sector, this team combined power hitting with strategic bowling.
- IT Warriors – A tech-savvy team known for their analytical approach to the game, focusing on data-driven strategies.
- Food Warriors – Bringing in a mix of tactical play and spirited performance, this team represented the food and nutrition sector.
- Agriculture Super Warriors – This team, representing the agricultural sector, showcased a blend of skillful batting and disciplined bowling.
- Royal Sports – A team known for their royal and sportsmanlike conduct on the field, representing the administrative services.
Tournament Overview
The tournament followed a round-robin format, with each team playing against the other, culminating in a total of 33 matches. The matches were played on different grounds across Dehradun, attracting a considerable number of spectators, including family members, colleagues, and cricket enthusiasts from the city.
Key Highlights and Statistics
The tournament was filled with exciting moments, fierce competition, and outstanding individual performances. In total, 9,010 runs were scored, 508 wickets were taken, 834 fours were hit, and 226 sixes were smashed, indicating the high level of cricket played throughout the event.
Notable performances included contributions from players like Parkash Bisht from the Irrigation Avengers. Bisht’s all-round performance earned him the title of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball.
Finals and Champions
The final match was a thrilling encounter between the Urja Power Panthers and Irrigation Avengers. The Urja Power Panthers emerged victorious, clinching the title with a combination of strong batting and disciplined bowling. The Irrigation Avengers, despite their best efforts, had to settle for the runners-up position.
Conclusion
The First Department Premier League was a resounding success, thanks to the meticulous planning and execution by the Department Cricket Development Committee of Uttarakhand. The league not only provided a platform for showcasing cricketing talent but also promoted a sense of unity and sportsmanship among the participants. It served as an excellent opportunity for government employees to engage in physical activity and fostered a sense of community and teamwork.
The success of this inaugural event has set the stage for future editions, with expectations of even greater participation and higher standards of cricket. The Department Premier League has undoubtedly become a landmark event in Uttarakhand’s sporting calendar, and it is poised to grow in stature and significance in the coming years. The tournament has not only highlighted the love for cricket in the state but also underscored the importance of sports in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among government employees.
