The Friendship Cup 2025, Singapore’s largest social cricket tournament for migrant workers, concluded on Sept 7 at the Kranji Recreation Centre, with Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng presenting prizes to the winners.
The tournament, held under the patronage of non-profit KALA Singapore and supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), drew over 2,500 participants across 100 teams.
The Friendship Cup is an extension of the Singapore Social Cricket League (SSCL), which earned a Guinness World Record in 2024 as the largest cricket tournament played at a single venue. That year, 102 teams and 2,220 players competed in 286 matches at the Sengkang Cricket Ground.
This year’s edition, played from May 31 to Aug 31, saw 392 matches staged across four venues – Sengkang, Punggol, Buangkok, and Kranji – in six divisions ranging from Elite to Deluxe.
Matches were played in a unique 15 overs-a-side format, keeping the spirit competitive yet community-focused.
Organised by a group of cricket enthusiasts led by rail engineer and KALA’s president Shaji Philip, the tournament is unique in being fully free for players. All costs, from equipment to logistics, are borne by the organisers and their supporters.
Speaking at the prize presentation, Speaker Seah praised the players’ energy, resilience, and teamwork.
“Sport is not just about winning, but about coming together, building bonds and playing with dignity,” he said.
Addressing the migrant workers, he added, “Too often, your contributions to Singapore are under-appreciated. But you are builders of our skyline, creators of our homes, and valuable members of our shared society.”
Mr Seah highlighted how cricket offered migrant workers a way to feel connected while also enriching Singapore’s social fabric: “This tournament recognises not just your work, but your humanity, friendships, and sacrifices.”
MOM has expanded its support to SSCL since the Guinness record-breaking tournament, providing trophies, logistical backing, and new venues such as Kranji Recreation Centre.
“Sport has a unique way of bringing people together. We are pleased to support Shaji and his team in keeping the migrant community’s passion for cricket alive,” said Ms Shireen Banu, MOM’s Deputy Chief (Operations and Plans).
The event also featured speeches by former Nominated MP Viswa Sadasivan and TiE Singapore President Prantik Mazumdar, who both emphasised sport’s role in social integration and harmony.
“The Social Cricket League is not just about runs and wickets, but about spirit, unity, and universal brotherhood,” said Mr Shaji. “Every match was a celebration of teamwork and tenacity, with flawless arrangements turning challenges into milestones. This is not the end, but the beginning of greater triumphs ahead.”
The success of the Friendship Cup has transformed the landscape of migrant cricket in Singapore, providing better facilities and greater recognition. A new season has already been launched with 108 teams, running until the end of November.
Mr Seah tossed the coin to kick-start the tournament.
