I hadn't played cricket in over 10 years.
Then came COVID. Life slowed down, everyone returned to Trivandrum with work-from-home, and slowly, the city began to open up.
That's when it started—just a few of us reconnecting over phone calls, checking availability for a quick knock at some random turf. We've even played with just three people, every man for himself, on a turf in Ulloor.
We've played 2-a-side at Hexa. It didn't matter how many showed up—what mattered was we were playing again. Then, to be honest, we did not know this was going to be a birth of something great!! Something we didn't even imagine/think of - A Cricket Club.
What began with a few friends became something special. We started with a WhatsApp group of less than 10, and now we're over 150.
I hadn't played cricket in over 10 years.
Then came COVID. Life slowed down, everyone returned to Trivandrum with work-from-home, and slowly, the city began to open up.
That's when it started—just a few of us reconnecting over phone calls, checking availability for a quick knock at some random turf. We've even played with just three people, every man for himself, on a turf in Ulloor.
We've played 2-a-side at Hexa. It didn't matter how many showed up—what mattered was we were playing again. Then, to be honest, we did not know this was going to be a birth of something great!! Something we didn't even imagine/think of - A Cricket Club.
What began with a few friends became something special. We started with a WhatsApp group of less than 10, and now we're over 150.
At one point, we didn't have enough players to book a game. Now, there's a waiting list just to get a slot. From tight-knit circles to friends of friends, cousins, neighbours, colleagues, and even total strangers—everyone who came in became part of the family.
We moved from smaller turfs to the bigger and best ones in TVM.
From the likes of Hexa and Ulloor (close indoor kinda turf), we moved to Turfsy—our first big turf with longer boundaries and high nets. Then came Bellin, a 270-degree open turf with no height restrictions and stunning matchday energy. Now we've reached Oval and the renovated Corner City—I haven't played there myself yet, but I've heard nothing but good things. The game grew. We grew.
TTCCPL—our very own Premier League.
What started as a simple idea became our flagship event, complete with fun-filled auctions, quirky team names, banter, rivalries, and matchdays that felt like festivals. We streamed the games, shot content, followed the scorecards on Cricheros, and relived the moments on YouTube. The quality of the event? Always top-notch. The organising team nailed it every single time.
Of course, it wasn't always smooth. In between the matches, we've had heated conversations. Even ugly fights. But it was never personal—it was just the passion. Passion for the game we had loved as a kid, love even now into our adulthood and will always love even in our old days. Once the game ends, it's handshakes, high-fives, hugs and banter again. Even the thickest of friends have had fallouts mid-game—but never outside it. We leave it on the pitch, always - because this isn't just a team—it's a brotherhood.
My life changed big time - I've moved abroad now. But TTCC hasn't left me, and it never will.
The lively and lovely WhatsApp group, livestreams, the YouTube uploads, even the Cricheros scorecards keep me connected. I watch when I can, I catch replays when I miss it. The thrill's the same. The connection's real.
We've played in every condition—under a scorching sun, in light drizzles, on slippery turfs during heavy rain. Some might say that's foolish. But for us? It's just dedication and passion. The Love for the game.
We know someone's always there—to help us up if we fall, to bring water, even to drive us to a hospital if needed. That's trust. That's the bond, that is the dedication love and passion for the game. THAT IS TTCC.
And we're still growing.
From 8-over and 10-over matches to full-fledged 20-over clashes.
Someday, I hope we move to 50-over games. Maybe even leather ball. Because WHY NOT? We are good enough for that!!
For many of us, somewhere deep down, being a cricketer was always the dream. Maybe life took us elsewhere—but TTCC gave that dream a new life. It reignited the thrill, the fire, the reason we ever picked up a bat or ball in the first place.
Even though we may be in different parts of the world, our bond remains. Cricket was just the start. Friendship is what kept us going. Family is what we became.
To the organising team, who give their everything behind the scenes, and to every single player—past, present, and future—this is my shoutout to you. You made this what it is. From friends to family. From turf to heart.
So, to everyone - organisers, teammates, and every opponent who's shared this turf with me, us — thank you.
This isn't just a testimonial. It's a celebration.
Of our club.
Of our people.
Of TTCC – more than a club. An emotion.
