Houston: Bergen Tigers , New Jersey won the 3rd season of the Malayalee T20 International Cricket Tournament 2025 organised by Stars of Houston, a Houston based non-profit organization, from March 14th to 16th 2025. The sporting event was inaugurated by Capt. Manoj Kumar Pooparayil from Houston Police Department. More than 250 players, representing 17 teams from 11 cities of USA & Canada, participated in the tournament thus making it international and also the biggest malayalee cricket tournament ever to be held in the USA.
The final of the tournament was played between Philly Machanz, Philadelphia , a 3 time finalist & inaugural season champions and Bergen Tigers, New Jersey. Bergen Tigers chased down the target of 178 set by Philly Machanz and won the match with relative ease by 8 wickets. Navin Davis scored a scintillating century for Philly Machanz. Diju Xavier, Jesus Vincent and Sreejay Sunil of Bergen Tigers batted with purpose and power to take Bergen Tigers home.
Sreejay Sunil of Bergen Tigers was declared the MVP of the tournament . Bergen Tiger batsman, Diju Xavier, bagged the Man of Match of the final and also the best batsman awards. Anub Unnikrishanan of Dallas Daredevils was declared the best bowler. Best Wicket keeper trophy went to Ramesh Ravindran while Jijo Kunjumon of Philly Machanz was declared the best fielder.
Even though the home team Stars of Houston’s quest for the trophy ended in the quarter finals against Philly Machanz ,Captain Michayel Joy expressed his hopefulness in coming back strongly next year.
Chief guests for the award ceremony for the tournament were Mayor of Stafford City Mr. Ken Mathew , Mayor of Missouri City Mr. Robin J. Elackatt, Fort Bend County Judge K.P George, State District Judge Surendran Pattel and Captain Manoj Kumar. All chief guests shared their valuable thoughts and insights and congratulated the winners and the runners-up team.
Representing the Platinum sponso , Neoma Life Group , Mr. Michayel Joy gave away the winners cash prize of $5000 and trophy to Bergen Tigers. Mr John W. Varghese representing Prompt Realty and Diamond Sponsor presented Philly Machanz with a cash prize of $2500 and runners-up trophy. Mr. Vinayan Mathew , President of Stars of Hosuton congratulated all the participating teams and invited all the teams to the next edition of the tournament in 2026.
Inauguration by Capt. Manoj Kumar Pooparayil
Stars of Houston team
Stars of Houston office bearers, Mr. Bijesh John (Secretary), Mr. Sreejith Parambil (Vice President), Mr. Arun Jose (Treasurer) and all four executive members Mr. Berfin Babu, Mr. Joby Cherian, Mr. Michayel Joy, Mr. Premdas Mamazhayil and Mr. Subin Marettu and also attended the function. A special award of recognition was presented to Mr. Kevin Kattady, Deputy Sheriff-Patrol the first Stars of Houston member to be part of the police force. Chendamelam by the Houston Chendamelam team made the closing event spectacular and exciting.
