The Kerala Overseas Cricketers (KOC) are scheduled to head to Bengaluru on October 23, 2026, to compete in the 12th annual Friendship Cup. The event, which brings together former state-level players, will feature two matches at the Kini Cricket Ground in Bidadi on October 24.
KOC will face off against the Kerala Veterans Cricketers (KVC) in a series designed to celebrate shared history and athletic passion. Established in 2013, the KOC initiative was created to provide a unified platform for former cricketers to reconnect. The Friendship Cup, backed by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), has served as an annual focal point for this community, allowing past teammates and rivals to return to the pitch for competitive play. The concept of KOC became a reality in 2013 with the objective of bringing former Kerala cricketers together under one umbrella.
Leading the KOC squad for this year’s installment are captain Biju Thomas and vice-captain Balaji Narayanan. The organizers have emphasized that the 2026 edition aims to foster a spirit of nostalgia and camaraderie among the participants as they revisit their time representing the state.
The tournament is made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Kappal Logistics, Grand, Honest Steel FZCO, and Zeens Business Center. Their contributions remain vital to maintaining the tradition of the Friendship Cup, which has consistently facilitated reunions for the veteran cricketing fraternity since its inception over a decade ago.
