Kottayam: Priests from different Christian denominations in Kerala will take to the cricket pitch in Puthuppally this Wednesday as the inaugural ‘Kathanar Cricket League’ gets underway.

Giving their traditional cassocks a brief break, the priests will don cricket jerseys and step onto the field with bat and ball for a tournament that aims to combine sport, friendship and fellowship.

The first edition of the tournament will officially begin on September 9 at Bails Arena in Puthuppally. A total of 16 teams featuring priests from Catholic and other Christian denominations across Kerala, from the southernmost districts to the north, will compete in the league.
Also read | ISL 2026-27 to begin on October 10 with home-and-away format, 163 matches scheduled

Cricket beyond competition

For the priests, the tournament is about more than winning or losing. They say the initiative is aimed at strengthening friendship and fellowship through the spirit of sportsmanship.

The tournament also offers an opportunity for old seminary friends to reunite. Priests who studied together in seminaries before leaving for different dioceses for pastoral service will get a chance to meet again, reconnect and share their camaraderie.

The league is being organised by priests of the Changanassery Archdiocese.
Also read | No mobile phone while on guard duty! New directives issued for Kerala Police

₹50,000 prize for winners

The winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹50,000 along with the KCL trophy. Training sessions and net practice for the participating priests are already underway in Puthuppally as the teams prepare for the tournament.