Cricketers Win ‘Calves’, Not Trophies at Vadodara Tournament

The tournament was seen as a move to raise awareness about the importance of cows.

In this cricket match organised by the pastoral tribe of Rabaris, the winning team gets ‘cow’ as a trophy. (Photo: ANI screengrab)

Cricketers playing in a unique Vadodara tournament do not fight for a trophy, but living calves! Organised by the Rabari community, the cricket tournament comes at a time when the country is consumed by controversies surrounding the issue of cow slaughter.

The community has traditionally been closely connected with cattle and hence, this tournament was seen as a move to raise awareness about the importance of cows.

We worship the cow. The cow should be recognised as a national animal.  

Raju Rabari, Team Member

This unique practice was started last year, where the Man of the Match and all the winning team members take home a ‘Gyr’ calf as their trophy.

Rabaris are nomadic herders who live scattered through out Gujarat and Rajasthan. Originally only camels were their source of livelihood. However, now, they keep goat, sheep, cow or buffalo.

(With inputs from ANI.)

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam