Africa-Press – Uganda. Trichy Warriors may have written their name into history as the third different winner in as many editions of the Tamil Sangam Uganda Premier League (TSUPL), but when the dust settled at the brand-new Shri Sahajanand School Ground in Kisaasi on May 11, the scoreboard wasn’t the only thing glowing.
For a community that prides itself on preserving tradition and fostering unity, this year’s TSUPL was not just about boundaries and bowl-outs – it was a celebration of giving, gathering, and growing together in a country they’ve called home for generations.
Trichy’s triumph
The final was a showcase of dominance. Trichy Warriors steamrolled Kanchi Temple Titans by 10 wickets in a one-sided affair to crown a flawless campaign in which they won every game.
After being put in to bat, Kanchi faltered to 36/4 in their six overs. Trichy’s openers, Mohamed Irshath and Santosh Kumar (11), made light work of the chase, wrapping up victory in just 4.2 overs without losing a wicket.
Irshath, consistent throughout the tournament, finished as Player of the Tournament and Best Batsman. Meanwhile, Ahmed Javith claimed the Best Bowler accolade for his clinical performances. Irshath’s unbeaten 19 off 15 balls in the final was an indication of how clinical he can be.
Earlier in the semifinals, Trichy Warriors beat Nellai Challengers by 9 wickets, while Kanchi breezed past Chennai Kings by 7 wickets. Kumari Strikers and Madurai Lions also featured in the six-team contest that brought together family, faith, and fierce competition – all in the spirit of fun and philanthropy.
Champions with cause
But it wasn’t just cricket that left a mark. Off the field, Tamil Sangam Uganda (TSU), led by chairman Kathiri Jamal and his vibrant sports committee headed by Aneef Mohammed, who has donned the Cricket Cranes jersey before, continued to redefine community outreach through cricket.
In recent months, TSU has quietly made meaningful interventions across the country. They paid tuition for Habibu Sselunkuma, a Senior Five BCM/ICT student at Kitante Hill School. Another beneficiary was a youth pursuing a medical course, whose dreams were kept alive through sponsorship. At Sri Sathya Sai School in Jinja — home to over 270 children from underprivileged backgrounds — TSU donated classroom furniture.
The Rose House Foundation orphanage in Kapeeka received both an inverter and clothes for the children, while Kawthar Bukoto Quran School was gifted essential food items. In a particularly moving gesture, TSU provided a specially designed tricycle to Juspin Achen, a 45-year-old Ugandan woman living with physical disability. More recently they donated Shs2m worth of food supplies to Hope Nurse and Pro Orphanage, which cares for over 100 vulnerable children.
“We live and work here. Uganda is our home too,” said TSU chairman Kathiri Jamal. “This year’s TSUPL unearthed some really promising young talent from within the community, and with proper guidance, we believe some of them can go on to represent Uganda at national level. Beyond cricket, our mission is simple – to give back in every way we can. Whether it’s education, health, or supporting those who need it most, we are devoted to making life better for the less privileged.”
UCA chairman Jackson Kavuma, who presided over the prize-giving ceremony, echoed those sentiments.
“It’s events like this that show cricket’s deeper role in society,” said Kavuma. “Sport becomes greater when it uplifts lives. The Tamil Sangam community is showing Uganda how cricket can unite, entertain, and empower at the same time. It’s inspiring to see a community using the sport to give back so selflessly.”
Growing Bonds
TSUPL continues to blossom as a flagship celebration for the Tamil Sangam community in Uganda – a space for generations to reunite, relive culture, and reaffirm commitment to a shared future. From home-cooked meals to rhythmic drumming and bursts of laughter, the tournament brought more than just cricket – it brought togetherness.
“What we’re doing is more than just sport,” added Aneef. “It’s about giving our children a platform and showing them what community means — celebrating our identity while embracing our responsibility.”
TSUPL 2025
Results – Final
Kanchi Temple Titans 36/4 Trichy Warriors 37/0
Trichy Warriors won by 10 wickets
Results – Semifinals
Chennai Kings 37/8 Kanchi Temple Titans 38/3
Kanchi Temple Titans won by 7 wickets
Nellai Challengers 41/3 Trichy Warriors 42/1
Trichy Warriors won by 9 wickets
Results – Preliminary Round
Trichy Warriors 45/4 Chennai Kings 33/2
Kanchi Temple Titans 60/0 Nellai Challengers 37/6
Kumari Strikers 75/3 Trichy Warriors 76/1
Madurai Lions 34/7 Nellai Challengers 35/0
Chennai Kings 55/5 Kumari Strikers 26/3
Kanchi Temple Titans 55/2 Madurai Lions 56/2
The Groups:
A: Nellai Challengers, Madurai Lions & Kanchi Temple Titans
B: Kumari Strikers, Trichy Warriors & Chennai Kings
ROLL OF WINNERS
2023: Kumari Strikers
2024: Chennai Kings
2025: Trichy Warriors
Individual Award Winners
Best Batsman: Mohamed Irshath (Trichy Warriors)
Best Bowler: Ahmed Javith
Player of the Tournament: Mohamed Irshath (Trichy Warriors)
NUMBERS THAT MATTER:
9: Matches played (6 group, 2 semis, 1 final)
3: Three editions & 3 different winners: Kumari Strikers (2023), Chennai Kings (2024), Trichy Warriors (2025)
272: Children benefiting from furniture at Sri Sathya Sai School
1: One tricycle, 1 inverter but multiple futures changed
Talking Point: Community Spirit
One League, One Love. The third edition proved the depth and balance across teams. Yet it’s the shared spirit that’s shaping TSUPL into a unique model — where cricket is both a game and a giving platform. It has evolved from friendly cricket contests to a pillar of social impact, promoting both sport and philanthropy.
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