For many young cricketers in India, finding the right stage to showcase their talent is not easy. Local tournaments may lack structure, recognition, or proper records. Since 1972, however, the Karnewar Trophy in Nagpur has stood tall as a trusted stage for grassroots players. For over 50 years, it has created opportunities, upheld fair play, and inspired generations.
Cricket keeps changing, and so does the Karnewar Trophy. With CricHeroes by its side, every match, every run, and every effort is now recorded and remembered for the future.
What is the Karnewar Trophy?
The Dadasaheb Karnewar Trophy is one of India’s oldest grassroots cricket tournaments. Started in 1972 in memory of Dadasaheb alias Anandrao Karnewar, the tournament has never missed a season.
- Hosted in Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Organized by Vidarbha Gymkhana
- Recognized by three BCCI Presidents and many national and international cricketers
- Covers multiple formats and age groups
It is more than a competition — it is a tradition where school kids, college players, and local clubs test their skills and grow into professional cricketers.
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The Vision and Founder
The Trophy was founded by Shri Jagdish Anandrao Karnewar, a life member of Vidarbha Cricket Association since 1965. His aim was clear:
- Build a brotherhood through cricket
- Provide fair opportunities without politics or money-driven motives
- Keep grassroots cricket alive for all
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His journey began in 1960 with the formation of Navniketan Ganesh Mandal and Navniketan Cricket Club. In 1969, he went on to establish Vidarbha Gymkhana. After his father’s passing in 1971, the Karnewar Trophy was founded in 1972 in his memory. His discipline was so strong that even his own clubs faced debarment when rules were broken.
In 2002 his son Omkar Jagdish Karnewar became Secretary of Vidarbha Gymkhana and Karnewar Trophy and helped his father in managing the tournament and club.
Legacy Through the Years
The Karnewar Trophy has constantly adapted to cricket’s growth:
- 1972 – Started with Tennis Ball Inter-Club Cricket
- 1984 – Transition to Leather Ball tournaments
- 1990 – First Girls’ Inter-School tournament
- 1992 – Blind Cricket introduced
- 2004 – Under-9 Cricket launched
- 2022 – Custom-built mobile apps launched by CricHeroes for live updates
- 2025 – Official website of Karnewar Trophy goes live
From its humble start, it is now a digitally enabled tournament, keeping history alive for future generations. Almost every player who has represented the Vidarbha Cricket Association has also played in the Karnewar Trophy.
Over five decades, more than 160,000 cricketers have played in its matches.
Formats and Categories in Karnewar Trophy
The tournament offers opportunities across multiple formats and age groups.
Age Groups Covered:
- Under-9, Under-10, Under-11, Under-12, Under-13, Under-14, Under-16 (Inter-School)
- Under-17, Under-19, Senior (Inter-College)
Formats:
- Leather Ball Cricket
- Tennis Ball Cricket (Boys & Girls)
- Blind Cricket
- Disabled Cricket
This wide range makes the Karnewar Trophy unique, giving space to every aspiring cricketer.
The Challenge Before CricHeroes
For decades, the Karnewar Trophy ran on dedication and passion. But as cricket became more digital, challenges emerged:
- No proper digital scoring or archived records
- Fans could not follow matches live
- Players lacked profiles to showcase performance
- The risk of losing decades of history
The tournament needed technology to protect its past and connect with the next generation.
How CricHeroes Powered the Karnewar Trophy
Since 2022, CricHeroes has been the digital scoring partner of the Karnewar Trophy. Together, they’ve transformed the experience for players, fans, and organisers.
1. Live Scoring and Updates
Matches are now scored digitally with CricHeroes. Fans follow every ball in real time, just like international cricket.
2. Player Profiles and Statistics
Every player gets a digital profile with batting, bowling, and fielding stats. Performances no longer fade after the match; they live on.
3. Preserving 50+ Years of History
During the Golden Jubilee in 2021, CricHeroes created custom apps for Android and iOS – a virtual temple for the Trophy’s legacy.
4. Engaging the Community
Fans no longer wait for newspapers. Instant scorecards, highlights, and facts are available anytime.
5. Building Pathways for Future Stars
With performance data tracked, selectors and coaches can notice rising talent early.
Golden Jubilee Goes Digital
In 2021, the Trophy celebrated 50 years. The next year, CricHeroes ensured that this milestone was not just celebrated but preserved. With custom apps and digital records, the history of the Karnewar Trophy is now available to anyone, anywhere.
This step means:
- The legacy is safe for generations
- Players’ journeys are visible globally
- Fans across the world can follow Nagpur’s grassroots cricket
Notable Alumni
Many names who started here went on to shine:
- Umesh Yadav – Indian International Cricketer
- Faiz Fazal – Ranji Player, India Captain (One Day)
- Shashank Manohar – Former BCCI President
- Prashant Vaidya – Former Indian fast bowler
- Akshay Wadkar – Vidarbha Ranji player
Their journeys show how the Trophy continues to be a stepping stone for talent.
Testimonial from Omkar Jagdish Karnewar
“My father devoted his entire life to the growth of cricket. For him, the Karnewar Trophy was never just a tournament – it was a shrine of passion and fairness.
In 2021, when the Trophy completed 50 years, we partnered with CricHeroes to ensure this history could be preserved and celebrated digitally. Today, the Karnewar Trophy continues to inspire new cricketers, and CricHeroes plays a key role in carrying this legacy forward.”
– Omkar Jagdish Karnewar
Successor, Karnewar Trophy | Vidarbha Gymkhana | Karnewar Cricket Academy
Why CricHeroes Matters for Grassroots Cricket
The partnership with Karnewar Trophy proves why CricHeroes is trusted by thousands of organisers worldwide:
- Professional Scoring: Every match, big or small, gets recorded.
- Visibility: Local talent gains recognition beyond their home ground.
- Digital Records: History stays safe, accessible, and shareable.
- Community Spirit: Fans, players, scorers, and organisers feel connected.
CricHeroes is not just an app. It is the captain every grassroots tournament needs.
Final Thoughts
For over 50 years, the Karnewar Trophy has given young cricketers a stage to shine. With CricHeroes, this proud legacy is now digital, accessible, and ready for the future. Every match, every milestone, and every effort is now recorded, ensuring that grassroots cricket gets the recognition it deserves.
👉 View the Official Karnewar Trophy Page on CricHeroes
👉 Download Karnewar Trophy App on Android
👉 Download Karnewar Trophy App on iOS
👉 Visit the Official Karnewar Trophy Website
Your cricket matters. Download CricHeroes today and be part of the journey.
FAQs About Karnewar Trophy and CricHeroes
Who founded the Karnewar Trophy?
Shri Jagdish Anandrao Karnewar in 1972, in memory of his father.
Where is the Karnewar Trophy held?
Nagpur, Maharashtra, under the Vidarbha Gymkhana.
When did CricHeroes join hands with the Karnewar Trophy?
In 2022, during its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
How does CricHeroes help players?
By giving them digital profiles, career stats, and global visibility.
Can fans follow matches live?
Yes, through the CricHeroes app with live scoring.
How many cricketers have played in the Karnewar Trophy?
Over 160,000 in 50+ years.
What formats are covered?
Inter-school, inter-college, tennis ball, girls’ cricket, blind, and disabled cricket.
Who are some famous players from the Karnewar Trophy?
Umesh Yadav, Faiz Fazal, Shashank Manohar, Prashant Vaidya, Akshay Wadkar.
Where can I download CricHeroes?
From the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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The organisation already celebrated Golden Jubilee of the Tournament, hence there is no word to comment anything more. My good wishes with the great organisation all the time.
Good Luck to all the Organisation members.