New Delhi: Cricket remains the most popular sport in the country. From sportspersons to cricket lovers, the game in every format draws millions of eyeballs & generates news headlines.

A unique cricket competition, underway in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal is garnering the attention of fans & people in general alike, apparently because of its unconventional format.

Here, cricketers are adorned in dhoti & kurta, traditional Indian dress for puja & havans while the commentary is being done in Sanskrit language. From batting to fielding side, all of them are seen sporting the traditional Indian wear.

A video of the unconventional cricket match was shared by news agency ANI. It said that the four-day tournament is being organized by Sanskrit Bachao Manch and has been named ‘Maharishi Maitri Match tournament’.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: In a unique cricket tournament (Maharishi Maitri Match Tournament) organized by Sanskriti Bachao Manch in Bhopal, the players can be seen playing in ‘dhoti’ and ‘kurta’ while commentary is being done in the Sanskrit language. A total of 12 teams are… pic.twitter.com/VU7Y7y2t1Q

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

Four-day tournament

The agency further reported that it’s a four-day tournament underway in Bhopal district and over next few days, it will see 12 cricket teams competing against each other.

The ‘dhoti-kurta’ dress code for cricketers and the commentary in Sanskrit language will be retained through all 4 days. It started on January 5 and will conclude on January 8.

The tournament organizers said that the motive behind this was to inculcate Indian culture & values among the youth while also preserving the ancient heritage.

Ayodhya visit for the winning team

Organizers claim that the three winning teams from 1st to 3rd rank will be rewarded with awards. For the top ranking team, a visit to Ayodhya’s Ram Temple has been planned. The winners will get a rare chance for pilgrimage to the holy city and also a chance to see Ram Lalla either during or after the Pran Pratistha.

Organizers reasoning may sound weird to others but the match has created a buzz in the city. Many are turning up to watch the match and also to listen commentary in Sanskrit. It has also found many ‘followers’ on social media.