Daijiworld Media Network – Dammam
Dammam, Apr 21: The MASA Naughty’s of Forty’s Cup 2026 (Men’s Above 40) and MASA Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket tournaments concluded successfully, combining competitive cricket with a strong humanitarian message. Organized under the banner of MASA (Mangalore Association Saudi Arabia) on Friday 10th April 2026 at RCA Ground Rakah Dammam, the event aimed not only to promote the sport across age groups and genders but also to support a noble social cause, drawing wide appreciation from the local community.
The Women’s Premier League matches were a major highlight of the tournament, emphasizing the rapid development of women’s cricket. Teams showcased impressive batting depth, disciplined bowling attacks, and sharp fielding throughout the competition.
The event powered by AL MUZAIN, AL RAQWANI, INTERMODAL, ARGAS, GULF ASIAN, Gulf Tek, SKYLINE sponsored by FACE, REDLAND, NAJEEB AL HAJRI, FEOL, SASP, WELLWISHER, Co -sponsored by ARTLAND, EXPERT, NITE, ALBILAD, NAIS, RIGHT CHOICE, YENEPOYA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, RAM DENTAL, RBC
Prior to the tournament, a trophy unveiling ceremony was held on 03 April 2026 at the Yenepoya International School Auditorium. The event was attended by all team owners, players, and sponsors, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation ahead of the competition. On this occasion, Zakaria Jokatte from AL MUZAIN extended his best wishes to all the participating teams and encouraged the players for the tournament ahead. He also announced special gifts and incentives for players delivering outstanding performances during the tournament.
A well balanced total of eight men’s teams and ten women’s teams, comprising of many well known and talented players from Al Khobar, Dammam, and Jubail area participated in this prestigious tournament, making it a true celebration of competitive cricket.
The event kicked off around 7:30 a.m. in an esteemed gathering marked by the presence of MASA president Praveen Peter Aranha, Tournament chairman Gopal Shetty, advisory committee members, MASA vice presidents Ameer Hussain and Puttaraju, general secretary Niranjan Karkera, sports committee head Naveen Shetty, other EXCOM & advisory members, tournament core committee members and distinguished dignitaries.
Teams participated in the tournament and fixtures:
After witnessing a series of thrilling and exciting matches throughout the day, the tournament reached its climax with high intensity semifinal encounters in both the Men’s and Women’s categories.
Men’s – MASA Naughty’s of Forty’s Cup 2026
In the Men’s category, Sri Lankan Eleven (SX1) and Raqwani Challengers (RAQ) sealed their places in the final after registering hard fought victories. Sri Lankan Eleven overcame a strong challenge from Udupi Tulu Tigers (UTT), while Raqwani Challengers prevailed against Katapady Kottara Kolar Royals (3KR) in an enthralling and closely contested finish.
The grand final turned into a fierce battle, with Sri Lankan Eleven (SX1) displaying composure and experience to emerge as Champions of the Naughty’s of Forty’s Cup 2026. Raqwani Challengers put up a spirited fight but ultimately had to settle for the Runners Up Trophy after a tough contest.
Women’s – MASA Women’s Premier League (WPL)
In the Women’s category, Masa Supernovas (MSN) and Arabian Falcons (ARF) advanced to the final after defeating Desert Queens (DSQ) and Royal Challengers Dammam (RCD) respectively.
The WPL final proved to be a nail biting last ball thriller, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Arabian Falcons (ARF) clinched the WPL Championship, while Masa Supernovas (MSN) finished as Runners Up, earning applause for their fighting spirit.
Individual Awards – Men’s Category
The tournament also witnessed several outstanding individual performances
Player of the Series:
Sarfaraz (Raqwani Challengers) – delivered an exceptional all round performance with 86 runs and 2 wickets, playing a vital role throughout the tournament.
Best Batsman of the Tournament:
Haris Bajal (Raqwani Challengers) – scored a magnificent 84 runs, smashing nine towering sixes, to dominate the batting charts.
Best Bowler of the Tournament:
Nimal (Sri Lankan Eleven) – claimed 6 wickets, consistently troubling batsmen with disciplined and effective bowling.
Outstanding Individual Performance Women’s – MASA WPL 2026
From the women’s team Arabian Falcons, Farhana delivered a sensational all round performance throughout the tournament, earning widespread admiration from fans and officials alike. Her consistency and match winning contributions saw her bag multiple top honors, making her one of the standout performers of the MASA WPL 2026.
Farhana’s Achievements:
• Player of the Series – (136 runs with 13 sixes, 5 wickets)
• Best Batter of the Tournament.
• Maximum Sixes Award.
Farhana’s powerful stroke play, combined with her ability to contribute with the ball, proved decisive victory for the Arabian Falcons in crucial matches. Her aggressive batting, marked by clean and towering sixes, electrified the ground and drew loud applause from the audience.
Her performance not only elevated her team’s campaign but also set a new benchmark for excellence in the MASA Women’s Premier League, inspiring young players and reinforcing the growing strength of women’s cricket in the region.
Cricket lovers, along with their families and friends, turned out in large numbers to witness the event. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling contests, mighty sixes, and dramatic fall of wickets, making the tournament a memorable celebration of cricket and community spirit.
Best Bowler of the Tournament:
The award was jointly awarded to Saranya (Arabian Falcons) and Apurva (MASA Supernovas) for their outstanding bowling performances.
Best Bowler, Best Batsmen, Player of the Series and Maximum sixes, were rewarded with Trophies and Gift Vouchers.
The Champion Team was awarded a cash prize of SR 4,444 (Men) and SR 2,222 (Women), while the Runners-up Team received a cash prize of SR 2,222 (Men) and SR 1,111 (Women).
Special Attractive Prizes –Sponsored by Mr Zakariya Jokatte (AL MUZAIN) :
Farhana Shaikh (Arabian Falcon) - 9 Sixes in 3 Overs , and Player of the Tournament awarded with Gift Voucher SR 600 & Air Ticket
Urvashi (Nari Strikers)- 3 Sixes in One Over, awarded Gift Voucher SR 200
Nagma (Masa Supernovas) )- 3 Sixes in One Over, awarded Gift Voucher SR 200
Vijaya (Jubail Jaguars)- Highest Score of the Tournament 51 runs off 17 balls (Not Out), awarded Gift Voucher SR 200
Medals and trophies were presented to Winner & Runner Up players from each squad in both the Men’s and Women’s categories.
Team Owners & Icon Players:
1. UDUPI TULU TIGERS (UTT): Nizamuddin Abdul Samad, Mohammad Jaber (Icon) Imtiyaz Rahman (Icon)
2. GADI NADU WARRIORS(GNW): Gopal Shetty, Javed Bluestar, Imran Karkala, Mutaliq (Icon), Fayaz Bappa (Icon)
3. KATPADI KOTTARA KOLAR ROYALS (K3R): Narendra Shetty, Jithesh Kottara, Naveen Bhandary, Sachin Hegde (Icon), Suhail (Icon)
4. SASIHITHLU BEACH BOYS 11 (SBB): Ravi Karkera, Nissar (Icon), Alisha (Icon)
5. RAQWANI CHALLENGERS (RAQ): Ibrahim Husain, Amjad Polya, Harris Bajal Safder (Icon)
6. SRILANKAN ELEVEN (SX1): Charles Harding, Dilan Lakminda (Icon), Mohammed Hamza (Icon)
7. DESERT KINGS(DSK): Rajan Kumar, Dhiraj Revankar (Icon), Raghavendra (Icon)
Supported By
*PRAVEEN PETER ARANHA* SANTHOSH SHETTY*RAMESH MENDON*AMEER HUSSAIN * NAVEEN SHETTY*SALEEM PUTTUR *HARISH KUMAR POOJARY* *BALAKRISHNA SHETTY*VIJAY D’SA*PUTTARAJU*ROSHAN KOTIAN*NIRANJAN KARKERA*ROOPESH SUVARNA*USMAN HOSANGADI
Face Industries supported the event by providing essential toilet and water facilities, while the Ground facilities were kindly arranged by Noor
Artland Transport Sponsored Masa Super Novas women’s team led by Deeksha Kotian
Other Officials:
Umpires: Mohammad Siraj, Umarabba, Imran karkala, Naveen Shetty, Ashwath, Rahul, Salvi, Roshan Kotian, Asif Shirva & Chaithanya.
Scorers: Rajesh Thingalaya, Balakrishna Shetty, Ameer Hussain, Mahendra S. Billava, Jahangir. & Ms.Sanjana Alok Kanekar.
App Score Updation: Timely and accurate score updates were handled by Lakshman & Devang.
Running commentary of matches were presented professionally by expert commentators Mansoor Manjeshwar & Safwan Bajpe, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators from the ground.
Trophies management : The trophies, medals and mementos were beautifully arranged by Bhaskar Kanchan and Vijay D’sa, adding elegance to the ceremony.
Transport Facility: ARTLAND Transport, Al Khobar.
Food Stall : Food stalls were arranged by Abdul Nizam Samad and Ashraf of Rawan Restaurant, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food.
Photography, Video: Desert Lens, Mojith Mohan.
Volunteers: MASA Executive Committee and Core Committee highly appreciated and formally recognized the tireless efforts of the volunteers. Special appreciation was extended to the male volunteers, led by Naveen Shetty, and the female volunteers, led by Chetana Sadashiv Poojary, for their dedication, coordination, and commitment throughout the event.
Their hard work, discipline, and teamwork ensured smooth operations on and off the field and significantly contributed to the overall success of the MASA Naughty’s of Forty’s Cup 2026 and MASA WPL Cricket.
Evening Snacks were served from Masa for players& members.
The prize distribution ceremony was hosted by Mansoor Manjeshwar in the esteemed presence of MASA president Praveen Peter Aranha, Core Committee chair Gopal Shetty, vice president Puttaraju, vice president Ameer Hussain, general secretary Niranjan Karkera, sports committee head Naveen Shetty, entertainment committee head Roopesh Suvarna, assessment committee head Roshan Kotian, media committee head Harish Poojary, purchase committee head Usman Hosangadi, joint treasurer Salim Puttur, deputy sports committee head Sandeep Shetty, deputy assessment committee head Balakrishna Shetty, deputy entertainment committee heads Subramanya Rao and Vijay D’sa, along with advisory members Sadashiv Poojary, Naveen Bhandary, and Sathish Bajal.
Gopal Shetty, chairman of the core committee, received special appreciation for his exemplary leadership and outstanding contribution in overall planning, coordination, and successful execution of the event.
Dedicated Service Awards were presented to:
Ameer Hussain, Praveen Peter Aranha, Puttaraju, Gopal Shetty, Naveen Shetty, Sathish Bajal, and Roshan Kotian.
The MASA Cricket Tournament once again highlighted the association’s long standing commitment to social responsibility. MASA has been consistently organizing such initiatives for the past 19 years, supporting social service causes on a regular and sustained basis. The tournament stood yet another testament to MASA’s mission of combining sport with service, benefiting the wider community through meaningful and impactful efforts.
The organizers extended hearty congratulations to all the winning teams and award recipients. The award ceremony concluded on a dignified note with a vote of thanks delivered by the general secretary, Niranjan Karkera, followed by the national anthem, marking a fitting and memorable conclusion to the event.