The Mar Thoma Cricket Cup 2026 brought together churches, migrant workers and cricket enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of sport and community at the Ceylon Sports Club on March 21.
Held as part of the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Singapore, the one-day tournament saw eight teams compete in a six- and eight-over format, highlighting not just competitive cricket but a deeper spirit of inclusion and fellowship.
The participating teams represented a cross-section of churches and communities, including Mar Thoma, Orthodox, Syro Malabar, Telugu Methodist Church, Selatar Methodist Church, Tamil Methodist Church, Punjab Worshippers, and the Sri Lankan Worshippers Methodist Church (SLWMC). Notably, the SLWMC fielded a women’s team, adding a special dimension to the event.
After a day of spirited matches, the Mar Thoma team emerged champions, defeating Telugu Methodist Church in the final.
Beyond the results, the tournament stood out for its strong community ethos. Players comprised both church members and migrant workers, reflecting the organisers’ vision of building bridges through sport. Each migrant participant was presented with a “love gift” from the church, underscoring the event’s emphasis on appreciation and inclusion.
Lunch, snacks and drinks were provided for all participants, further reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that defined the day.
The tournament traces its roots to humble beginnings in 1998, when community leader Shaji Philip began organising informal cricket matches. Over the years, this evolved into the Sengkang Cricket League in 2007 and later the Social Cricket League, which today features over 100 teams and more than 3,000 players, many of them migrant workers from across South Asia.
Speaking at the event, Guest of Honour Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament, highlighted the broader significance of the tournament.
“This is more than a game. It is a platform that brings people from different backgrounds together, fostering understanding and mutual respect,” he said. “Singapore’s strength lies in our ability to work across differences, and events like this reflect that spirit in action.”
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake, who presented the prizes, also praised the initiative.
“Cricket here becomes more than a sport – it becomes a bridge between communities, cultures and lived experiences,” he said.
Supported by the Ceylon Sports Club and Brewing Cricket, the tournament has grown steadily in scale and impact. From just four teams during SG60 celebrations in 2025, participation doubled this year, reflecting its growing appeal.
