The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India is the parent body governing the game of Cricket in the State of Tamil Nadu, and involved in the conduct of the game from the grass root level to the international level.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association promotes and develops Cricket by conducting various League Tournaments, for age groups Under-14, Under-16, Under-19, and Under-23, Under-25 and Senior categories besides organising and conducting National Tournaments.
Apart from the 149 member Clubs participating in the City league, 37 District Associations who are the members of the Association are conducting various leagues and other tournaments in the respective districts.
The membership of the Association is as follows:
Member Clubs 149
District Cricket Associations 37
Universities 1
Patron Members 138
Life Associate Members 714
Ordinary Associate Members 3
Cricket Member 1
Individual Donor Stand Members 210
Institutional Donor Stand Members 360
Honorary Members 2
The Association conducts League Championships for City affiliated Clubs and 865 league matches are played a year from First division to Sixth division. Apart from the League Matches TNCA hosts around 800 Matches (approximate) in a year.
| Division | Zone | No. of Teams |
|---|---|---|
| First | 12 | |
| Second | 12 | |
| Third | A, B | 10, 10 |
| Fourth | A, B, C, D | 10, 10, 10, 10 |
| Fifth | A, B, C, D, E | 10, 10, 10, 10, 10 |
| Sixth | A, B | 08, 07 |
| Total | 149 |
The City league is one of the best in the country especially the first division in which matches are played in a two-day format, as per BCCI Playing Conditions.Corporate sponsorship alone in the first division runs to over Rs.10 crores towards players allowances, cricket equipment, ground maintenance, etc besides participation in outstation tournaments.
| DIVISION | NAME OF THE SHIELD | |
|---|---|---|
| I | RAJA OF PALAYAMPATTI SHIELD | |
| II (ELITE) | C.P. JOHNSTONE SHIELD | |
| III | C.R. PATTABHIRAMAN SHIELD | |
| III-A | C.R. RANGACHARISHIELD | |
| III-B | G. PARTHASARATHY SHIELD | |
| IV | The BISHOP WALLER SHIELD | |
| IV-A | N. KANNAYIRAM SHIELD | |
| IV-B | A.G. KRIPAL SINGH SHIELD | |
| IV-C | K.S. KANNAN SHIELD | |
| IV-D | DIVISION - IV D | |
| DIVISION | NAME OF THE SHIELD | |
|---|---|---|
| V | DR. P. SUBBARAYAN SHIELD | |
| V-A | P.ANANDA RAU SHIELD | |
| V-B | V.P.RAGHAVAN SHIELD | |
| V-C | M.V.KASTURI RANGAN SHIELD | |
| V-D | S.ANNADORAI SHIELD | |
| V-E | DIVISION - V E | |
| VI | P.V.H.BABU SHIELD | |
| VI-A | T.K.N.BABU SHIELD | |
| VI-B | P.C.RAMUDU SHIELD | |
The TNCA awards the following Scholarships and prizes during its Annual Day and they include:
| TROPHIES & PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bishnuram Medhi Trophy | Cricketer of the Year | |
| Baliah Memorial Trophy | Collegiate Cricketer of the Year | |
| V. Jagannathan Memorial Trophy | Best Bowler in Ranji Trophy | |
| T. Vasu Naidu Memorial Trophy | Best Fielder in Ranji Trophy | |
| Dr. M. A. M. Ramaswamy Endowment | Consistent Performance in Ranji Trophy | |
| N.N. Suvarna Memorial Trophy | Highest Aggregate in Ranji Trophy | |
| R.T. Parthasarathy Trophy | Cricketer of the year from Districts | |
| C. Subramaniam Trophy | School Cricketer of the Year | |
| S. W. De Allwis Trophy | Junior School Cricketer of the Year | |
| SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWMENT - SCHOLARSHIP INSTITUTED BY LATE DR. M.A.CHIDAMBARAM | |
|---|---|
| T.Srinivasaraghavan Memorial Scholarship | Rs.1000/- |
| J. Subbuswamy Memorial Scholarship | Rs.1000/- |
| Bhatt Memorial Scholarship | Rs.1000/- |
| S.K.Gurunathan Memorial Scholarship | Rs.1000/- |
| S.V. Kumaraswamy Scholarship | Rs.1000/- |
| N. Vittal Scholarship | Rs.1000/- |
| M.V. Kasturirangan Endowment | Rs.1000/- |
| S. Sriraman Endowment | Rs.1000/- |
| Mohan Kumaramangalam Scholarship (Instituted by Prithvi Cricket Club) | Rs.1000/- |
| M.A.Chidambaram Endowment (Instituted by Shri N.D.Karmarkar) & Balasubramaniam Endowment (Instituted by Reserve Bank RC) | Rs.1000/- |
| Y.M.A Golden Jubilee Scholarship (Instituted by YMA–To Be Awarded to School Cricketer of the year) | Rs.1000/- |
| P. Seshadri Endowment (Instituted by Kancheepuram District Cricket Association) | Rs.1000/- |
| Nimmagadda Viswanatha Memorial Endowment (Instituted by Shri N.Sankariah) | Rs.1000/- |
| Bhimannapet Recreation Club Silver Jubilee Endowment (Instituted by Bhimannapet Recreation Club) | Rs.1000/- |
| S.V.Kumaraswamy Endowment Scholarship for the Children of Office Staff and Umpires (Instituted by Smt.Subbulakshmi Kumaraswamy) | Rs.1000/- |
| Smt.Ananda Ramanathan Memorial Scholarship (Instituted by Shri R.Rhandrasekaran) | Rs.1000/- |
| R.T.Parthasarathy Scholarship (Instituted by Shri P.Vijayaraghavan) | Rs.1000/- |
| Dr.V.N.C.Rao Endowment (Instituted by late Dr.V.N.C. Rao) for the Children of Ground Staff of TNCA | Rs.1000/- |
| B. Somasundaram Endowment (Instituted by family of late B.Somasundaram) | Rs.1000/- |
| P.N.Krishnan Endowment (Instituted by Shri P.N.Krishnan) | Rs.1000/- |
| S. Sriraman Endowment (Instituted by Shri U. Prabhakar Rao) for Children of TNCA Staff | Rs.1000/- |
| UMR-Rao Endowment (Instituted by Shri U.Prabhakar rao) for Promising Medium Pace bowler U-19 | Rs.1000/- |
| Raman Memorial Fund (Instituted by Jubilee CC) for Deserving Young Cricketer | Rs.1000/- |
| P.C.Ramudu Endowment (Instituted by Shri P.C.Ramudu for the Highest Run Aggregate in First Division League | Rs.1000/- |
| Easwari Subramanian Endowment (Instituted by S.Jagadeesan) for Best Spinner in Under-17/16 | Rs.1000/- |
| ACC/VAP Endowment (Instituted by Members of Alwarpet Cricket Club) for Best Wicket-Keeper - under16/19 | Rs.1000/- |
| R.Mrithyanjan Endowment (Instituted by R.Radhakrishnan, All India Umpires Panel) for Promising Under-16 Cricketer | Rs.1000/- |
| M.J.Gopalan Endownment (Instituted by Late V.A.Parthasarathy) for Best Allrounder– Under-16 Category | Rs.1000/- |
| C.B.Selva Kumar Endowment (Instituted by Employees of Reserve Bank of India) for Outstanding Player for Under-14 Category | Rs.1000/- |
| N.Gautham Memorial Award (Instituted by T.S.Narayanan, Father of Late N. Gautham) | Rs.1000/- |
| S.R. Mandlam & Rajam Mandlam Endowment Fund for the Children of TNCA Staff (Instituted by Shri M.Subramaniam) | Rs.1000/- |
| C.B.Sankara Iyer & Mrs. Mokilam Sankara Iyer (Best Allrounder in Under-22 Category) Instituted by Shri M.Subramaniam | Rs.1000/- |
| V.PATTABHIRAMAN ENDOWMENT PRIZES - INSTITUTED BY LATE V.PATTABHIRAMAN | |
|---|---|
| Raja of Pudukkottai Prizes for District Tournament Performances (5 Players) | Rs.1000/- (Each Player) |
| A.F.Wensley Prizes for Promising Boys in TNCA Coaching Camp | Rs.1000/- |
| K.Kuruvilla Prize for Proficiency in Studies & Cricket | Rs.1000/- |
| V. Pattabhiraman Prize for Most Promising Cricketer in Tamil Nadu State Matches | Rs.1000/- |
| G.R. Prasad Prize for Proficiency in Studies and Cricket | Rs.1000/- |
| Ghulam Ahmed Prize for Outstanding School Boy Cricketer in South Zone | Rs.1000/- |
| WOMEN’S / UMPIRES / SCORERS |
|---|
| Women Cricketer of the Year |
| Promising Women Cricketer of the Year |
| Promising Women Cricketer of the Year in Under 19 |
| Best Fielder – Women |
| Award for Officiating maximum number of matches for the year 2016-2017 |
| Emerging Umpire of TNCA |
| Award for Scoring maximum number of matches for the year 2016-2017 |
| Emerging Scorer of TNCA |
There are also 37 affiliated District Cricket Associations in Tamil Nadu, where cricket is conducted in a highly systematic and professional manner. There are 780 participating clubs in the districts where tournaments are also conducted for different age categories. Free Cricket Kits, balls and mats are supplied by TNCA to the Districts once in two years. The following tournaments are held for Districts:
- INTER DISTRICTS UNDER-14 TOURNAMENT
- INTER DISTRICTS UNDER-16 TOURNAMENT FOR P.R.THEVAR TROPHY
- INTER DISTRICTS UNDER-19 TOURNAMENT
- INTER DISTRICTS TOURNAMENT (UNDER-23)
- INTER DISTRICTS S.S.RAJAN TOURNAMENT
The TNCA has developed 4 Grounds in the Districts (Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Salem and Coimbatore) with flood lights in accordance to international standards which can host all televised matches.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association continues to promote and develop cricket in an absolutely professional manner.
TNPL
The TNCA conceived the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) with the following objectives:
- To identify new set of cricketers to play for the State.
- To develop infrastructure in the Districts.
- To be a feeder tournament to IPL and beyond.
- To attract new audiences to the game.
- To enable cricketers earn additional income.
The inaugural edition started with the Franchisee bidding process. A total of 22 bids were collected, out of which 17 took part in the bidding process for the eight franchise teams. The eight teams are Albert Tuti Patriots, Chepauk Super Gillies, LycaKovai Kings, Dindigul Dragons, ThiruvallurVeerans, Ruby Kanchi Warriors, Madurai Super Giants and Karaikudi Kaalai. The eight franchises chose from as many as 900 players and they were allowed to pick a minimum of 17 players and maximum of 19 players.
In a star studded opening ceremony the Captain of the Indian ODI side Shri M.S. Dhoni launched the league and unveiled the trophy in the presence of our esteemed President Shri N. Srinivasan.
A total of three venues, MAC Stadium, Chennai, NPR College, Natham, Dindigul and ICL Sankar Nagar, Tirunelveli, were used until 2019. In the two venues, NPR Natham and ICL Sankar Nagar infrastructure was created which includes installing Flood Lights, camera stands etc. At the two new venues Salem Cricket Foundation ground, Salem and SNR College Ground, Coimbatore similar infrastructure was created and they are ready to host the tournament in 2021. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 the 2021 edition was limited to Chennai alone.
The popularity of the tournament soared higher year after year and the number of Tamil Nadu players being selected to the Indian teams and IPL Teams are testimony to its popularity. The presence of International players in the Commentators Box, fan parks and local visits added glitter to the tournament.
TNPL SEASON WISE WINNERS / RUNNERS
| Season | Dates | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 25.08.2016 to 18.09.2016 | Tuti Patriots | Chepauk Super Gillies |
| 2017 | 22.07.2017 to 20.08.2017 | Chepauk Super Gillies | Jones Tuti Patriots |
| 2018 | 11.07.2018 to 12.08.2018 | Siechem Madurai Panthers | Dindigul Dragons |
| 2019 | 19.07.2019 to 15.08.2019 | Chepauk Super Gillies | Dindigul Dragons |
| 2021 | 19.07.2021 to 15.08.2021 | Chepauk Super Gillies | Ruby Trichy Warriors |
The Association was formed when organized league cricket in the state began in Madras in 1932. It was formed after two rival bodies: Indian Cricket Federation and Madras Cricket Club merged becoming Madras Cricket Association (M.C.A.)
The Madras Cricket Association (M.C.A.) was formally constituted on April 30, 1935. The Association was shortly thereafter affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The Cricket Association was to control representative cricket in the province.
In the Cricketing season 1933-34, the Association had first and second division leagues, with a third division added in the next season and in the season 1939-40, it added a fourth division.
In 1967-68 season, the Madras Cricket Association was renamed as The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).
The following members were elected as office-bearers:
- PresidentDr.P.Subbaroyan
- Vice-PresidentMr.C.K.Krishnaswamy Pillai
- Hon. Secretary-
- Hon. TreasurerMr.K.S.Ranga Rao
Ten member clubs were elected to the Committee. H.E. Lord Erskine was the Patron of the Association. (The Spirit of Chepauk-S.Muthiah 1998).
Earlier to the formation of the Madras Cricket Association, The Indian cricket federation formed a league championship with 18 teams taking part in the competition for a trophy presented by the Rajah of Palayampatti which is contested for to this day. The first Madras Championship in 1932-33 was won by the Triplicane Cricket Club.
By 1933-34, a second division was added to the league and in the very next season, a third division. The Bishop Waller Shield for the second division (donated by S.Kannan) and Dr.Subbaroyan shield for the third division were now added to the Rajah of Palayampatti shield. By 1938-39, the league had grown substantially and it became necessary to restrict the number of clubs in each division to twelve. A fourth division was added in 1939-40 season, the C.R.Pattabhiraman Shield for the fourth division being donated by (late) C.R.Pattabhiraman.
In 1953-54, M.C.A. restricted the total number of teams to twelve in each zone of each division. The pattern continues to the present time except for a change in nomenclature introduced in the 1967-68 season. The First Division “A” zone became the First Division and I’B’ became the II division, I’C’ is now the third division, the original II division became the fourth and so on. There are now six divisions, with subdivisions in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth divisions. The league has now a total of 149 teams.