Jiji Irani Cup returns after four years

The 30th Jiji Irani Challenge Cup all-India cricket tournament for Parsees starts in the city on Wednesday.

Hosted by the Zoroastrian Club of Secunderabad, the tournament would conclude on January 15. The Zoroastrian Club Secunderabad announced the 17-member team.

From a two-team affair between Nagpur and Jamshedpur in the late 70s, the Jiji Irani Cup evolved and many more cities started taking part.

Noshir Mehta, former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy cricketer who till a few years ago participated in the Jiji Cup says, “Hyderabad is a well balanced side and in the past won the initial nine of the 10 tournaments.”

Minoo M Siganporia, selection committee member said that there was a time when Parsee cricketers figured prominently in the Indian cricket scene.

Hyderabad once upon a time boasted of S R Mehta, Eddie Aiebara and Faridoon who were a part of the Hyderabad’s 1938 Ranji Trophy winning side.

Few know that the first Indian cricket team to visit England in 1886 was comprised entirely of Parsees and was captained by Dr Dhunjishaw Hirjibhai Patel, who can very well be called the first Indian cricket captain.

The Secunderabad Team: Zarkash R Daver (C), Manek D Hormusji (vice-captain), Varzavand R debara, Jamsheed J Hormusjee, Khoremand M Siganporia, Jamshed K Reporter, Khushal P Jilla, Zehan D Patel, Percy K Irani, Dr Rohann A Bokdawala, Jehangir Irroni, Armaan H Chenoy, Mehernosh Engineer, Arshan F Bhathena, Shiamak N Bhathela, Jimmy Panthaky, Bejan F Ardeshir.