In a remarkable display of consistency and passion, the Inter Press Cricket Tournament in Bhopal is celebrating its 31st consecutive edition this year. This unique sporting event, organized by and for media professionals, has run without a single break for over three decades, setting a national record.
A Pioneering Spirit: Adopting T20 Before It Was Cool
The tournament's forward-thinking nature is one of its standout features. In the early 2000s, its organizers switched to the fast-paced T20 format, a move made well before the Indian cricket board officially embraced the shortened version of the game internationally. "The young team took over the organizing committee from 2000-01, switching to the T20 format," revealed senior sports journalist and committee member Shashi Shekhar.
Held annually in Madhya Pradesh's capital, the event acts as a grand melting pot for the media fraternity. It brings together journalists, photographers, and support staff from print, electronic, digital, and radio outlets. Teams are formed along media house lines, with editors, reporters, camerapersons, and office staff all competing side-by-side in league stages, knockout rounds, and a grand finale.
Unbroken Streak: A Testament to Media Resilience
What truly sets this tournament apart is its flawless record. It is the only cricket tournament in India where media personnel have participated consistently for 31 years. Even the global Covid-19 pandemic could not halt its momentum. Organizers and players rallied with strict health protocols—including limited crowds, rigorous testing, and safety guidelines—to ensure the tradition endured. This resilience highlighted the fraternity's unity, which extends far beyond daily news deadlines.
The tournament's journey began humbly in the early 1990s, when a group of local journalists and a few media houses channeled their love for cricket into an organized league. Starting with just a handful of teams, it has since ballooned into a prestigious fixture on Bhopal's calendar, attracting entries from across the state. Over the years, matches have been held on various grounds including MVM, Barkatullah University, Bab-e-Aali, and the Old Campion Ground.
More Than Just Cricket: Charity, Prestige, and Camaraderie
The event's significance goes beyond the boundary rope. While veterans cherish memories of last-ball thrillers and match-winning centuries, the tournament also organizes charity matches to support local causes. Its prestige received a major boost when, starting in 2007, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh began inaugurating the event.
Sponsorships from local businesses provide trophies, cash prizes, and ensure wide media coverage. Organizing the month-long spectacle is a challenging task, but as committee member Ramkrishna Yaduvanshi explained, it fosters invaluable networking, stress relief, and lifelong bonds. "This is amazing to see that journalists participating in the tournament do not take leaves from their work and never miss to play. This has made this tournament unique," Yaduvanshi said.
Founding members like Indrajeet Maurya and Naved Ishrat often reflect on its impressive growth from modest beginnings. As the tournament marches towards 2026, this media cricket saga stands as a shining beacon of perseverance, proving that a shared commitment can indeed conquer all challenges and fleeting trends.
