Trivandrum Royals who won the third edition of the Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament held at the Conorvayal Stadium in Thalassery.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Trivandrum Royals emerged champions of the third edition of the Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament, defeating Sultans Sisters by nine wickets in the final held at the Conorvayal Stadium here on Sunday.

Sultans Sisters, batting first, posted 86 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Divya Ganesh stood firm with an unbeaten 40, while Trivandrum Royals’ Niyati R. Mahesh turned in a stellar performance with the ball, picking up four wickets. Chasing the modest total, Trivandrum Royals reached the target comfortably, scoring 90 for 1 in 17.4 overs. Malavika Sabu top-scored with 49 runs, and Abhinaya Martin remained unbeaten on 36. Ishita Shani picked up the sole wicket for Sultans Sisters.

Niyati R. Mahesh was named Player of the Match for her game-changing spell, while Malavika Sabu was recognised as the Impact Player. A. Akshaya bagged the Best Batter award, Niyati was also adjudged Best Bowler, and CMC Najla was named Player of the Tournament.

Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer, who presented the awards, said that Thalassery’s cricketing legacy warranted special recognition. “Cricket in Kerala started in Thalassery. Many who played here have gone on to represent India. The Kerala Cricket Association should make an exception and host Ranji Trophy matches here,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the late Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, noting his pivotal role in shaping Kerala politics and grassroots development. “The Conorvayal Stadium itself is the result of Kodiyeri’s vision. From humble beginnings, the tournament has grown to command Statewide attention by its third edition,” he said.

Kerala Cricket Association secretary S. Vinod Kumar, speaking at the event, recalled the early days of women’s cricket in the region. “When there were no clubs, a women’s tournament was introduced here—an innovative step back then. Today, women’s cricket has evolved, and Kerala has national titles to show for it,” he said, commending the organisers for unearthing new talent.

Vinodini Kodiyeri, Nilambur Municipality Chairman Salim, and District Cricket Association President A. Abhimanyu also addressed the gathering. Bineesh Kodiyeri, Binoy Kodiyeri, T. Krishnaraju, V. B. Ishaq, Adv. K. Viswan, Kerala women’s team selectors Saritha and Anumol Baby, K. J. Johnson Master, and District Association office-bearers were present.