PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, January 12: XLRI Jamshedpur on Sunday brought the third edition of the XLRI–Fr. Enright Memorial Cricket Tournament, X-FECT 2026, to a vibrant close at the XLRI Grounds, marking weeks of competitive cricket, camaraderie and community engagement under the theme “Play for a Cause.”
The tournament brought together students, staff, alumni, campus associates and well-wishers, reflecting XLRI’s long-standing commitment to inclusion, service and solidarity through sport.
Women’s Final: XL Strikers Clinch Title
The women’s final witnessed an exciting contest, with XL Strikers defeating Loyola Alumni Association by 30 runs. Sandhya Singh was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance, scoring 45 runs off 25 balls and taking one wicket for 18 runs in two overs.
In the third-place playoff, XL Gliders beat XL Stunners by 19 runs to finish their campaign on a high note.
Men’s Category: JDCA Win Thriller
In the men’s category, Loyola Alumni Association secured third place with a composed four-wicket victory over XLRI BM-HR.
The grand final saw the Jamshedpur Dental Cricket Association (JDCA) edge past Vintage Warriors (DTDC) by eight runs in a nail-biting finish.
Vivek was adjudged Man of the Match after a brilliant unbeaten 97 and an economical three-over spell conceding 39 runs.
Individual and Team Awards
Suraj Bhan Singh of JDCA was named Men’s Player of the Tournament and also won the Most Sixes award. Navya of XL Gliders received the Women’s Player of the Tournament honour, while Kanika of XL Stunners was adjudged Women’s Most Sixes winner.
Team awards were presented to XL Panthers for Fair Play, XL Eagles for Best Disciplined Team, and XL Tigers for Spirit of the Game.
Strong Participation and Social Outreach
X-FECT 2026 featured 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams, with more than 240 amateur players participating. The tournament attracted a cumulative footfall of over 5,000 spectators.
True to its mission, the event also raised funds for charitable causes, reinforcing XLRI’s commitment to social responsibility.
Sponsors and Closing Ceremony
XLRI expressed gratitude to principal sponsor Yes Bank, rolling trophy sponsor Prof. Arup Varma (PMIR 1982–84) in memory of his mother, Late Leelawati Varma, as well as all sponsors, partners, media supporters, organisers, volunteers, umpires and participating teams.
The closing ceremony, attended by Jesuit Fathers, XLRI leadership, faculty, students, alumni and supporters, celebrated not just sporting excellence but also the unifying spirit of the XLRI community—making X-FECT 2026 a true embodiment of “Play for a Cause.”
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