UditVani, Jamshedpur : XLRI marked a memorable conclusion to the third edition of the Fr. Enright Memorial Cricket Tournament, X-FECT 2026, as the XLRI Grounds resonated with sporting brilliance, unity and social purpose.
Held under the theme “Play for a Cause,” the tournament once again brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and well-wishers, celebrating the spirit of participation and service through cricket.
The women’s competition produced high-quality and closely fought encounters. In the final, XL Strikers outclassed the Loyola Alumni Association by 30 runs in a thrilling contest.
Sandhya Singh emerged as Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance, scoring 45 runs off just 25 balls and claiming a wicket while conceding only 18 runs in two overs. In the third-place playoff, XL Gliders defeated XL Stunners by 19 runs to round off a strong campaign.
The men’s tournament was equally gripping. Loyola Alumni Association secured third place after defeating XLRI BM-HR by four wickets in a composed chase.
The final between JDCA (Jamshedpur Dental Cricket Association) and Vintage Warriors (DTDC) proved to be a fitting climax, with JDCA clinching the title by eight runs.
Dr. Vivek was the standout performer, earning Man of the Match honours for a magnificent unbeaten 97 and a tidy three-over spell that conceded 39 runs.
Outstanding individual and team efforts were recognised during the closing ceremony. Suraj Bhan Singh of JDCA was named Men’s Player of the Tournament and also bagged the Most Sixes award, while Navya of XL Gliders was adjudged Women’s Player of the Tournament. Kanika of XL Stunners won the Women’s Most Sixes title.
XL Panthers received the Fair Play Award, XL Eagles were named Best Disciplined Team and XL Tigers were honoured with the Spirit for the Game award.
With 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams, X-FECT 2026 featured more than 240 amateur cricketers and drew an estimated footfall of over 5,000 spectators across the match days.
Beyond the excitement on the field, the tournament stayed true to its social mission, with funds raised being channelled towards charitable causes, reinforcing XLRI’s ethos of giving back to society.
The B- school extended its heartfelt gratitude to principal sponsor Yes Bank, rolling trophy sponsor Prof. Arup Varma (PMIR 1982–84) in loving memory of his mother Late Leelawati Varma, as well as all sponsors, partners, media supporters, umpires, organisers and volunteers who ensured the event’s success.
The closing ceremony, attended by Jesuit Fathers, XLRI leadership, faculty, students, alumni and supporters, celebrated not just the winners but the collective spirit that made X-FECT 2026 a powerful showcase of sport with a purpose.
