Graphic: Vecteezy.com
The laidback town of Raub was where I spent my childhood, but life took a turn in 1969 when my father was transferred to Kuantan. My upper secondary school days began there, marking a new chapter filled with memorable experiences, including my introduction to cricket on a regular basis.
The Kuantan Ceylonese Association, with Gandhi K. Singham at the helm, played a major role in promoting cricket. In 1969, they came up with the novel idea of hosting the inaugural six-a-side cricket tournament.
The main idea behind this tournament was to spark local interest in cricket, foster camaraderie within the community and create an enjoyable gathering for all.
The six-a-side tournament followed an exciting and unique format. Each team fielded six players, with five required to bowl a six-ball over, except the wicketkeeper, who donned only gloves without pads. The objective was straightforward: The team scoring more runs emerged victorious.
The inaugural tournament, held at the Kuantan Recreation Club’s padang along Main Street, featured local teams such as Education Eaglets, Education Emus, Telecoms, Survey, Sultan Abu Bakar School and Sungai Lembing, among others. Back then, cricket enjoyed widespread popularity, enabling many government departments to field teams.
The event had a carnival-like atmosphere, drawing families and spectators who gathered to enjoy the spirited competition. Starting at 2pm on Saturday afternoons – after the customary half-day work schedule – the games resumed on Sunday morning at 8am, continuing until 5pm.
A gala dinner on Saturday night at the Town Hall brought participants, officials and organisers together in a spirit of camaraderie. The women of the Ceylonese community played a vital role, preparing an array of traditional delicacies, including vadai, kolukattai, string hoppers and sothi, ensuring everyone was treated to the warmest hospitality.
In 1970, buoyed by the success of the inaugural event, the tournament moved to the Technical Institute ground on Jalan Alor Akar. By then, I was in Form Four, proudly representing Sultan Abu Bakar School. One vivid memory stands out: Bowling to the formidable M. Dattaya, a legendary Malaysian hammer and discus thrower representing the Survey Department.
I couldn’t help but recall cricket legend Garfield Sobers smashing six sixes off Malcolm Nash in 1968. With trepidation, I imagined Dattaya replicating that feat against my bowling. Thankfully, he missed most of my deliveries – a huge relief for me!
Over the years, the tournament grew in stature, attracting teams from as far as Singapore and Sri Lanka. It became a platform where Malaysia’s top cricketers – such as Gurucharan Singh, K. Kamalanathan, Clarence Samuel and Banerji – showcased their skills, representing teams like the Rubber Research Institute (RRI), Kunta Kinte, and the Dirty Half Dozen.
Kuantan folks were treated to cricket at its finest, thanks to the KCA’s impeccable organisation and vision. The event evolved into a grand spectacle, complete with prize money, cricket bats, and gloves awarded to the winners and standout players.
It was all for the love of the game, and also to foster goodwill and cordial relationship among those from near and far.
Food caterers were unheard of those days or were too costly, so all the goodies were prepared by the womenfolk of the Ceylonese community of Kuantan. Being a closely knit community, they made it a point to be the perfect host by serving everyone the best food.
Since its inception, the six-a-side tournament has stood the test of time – it breached the half-century mark a few years ago – earning recognition from Guinness World Records as the longest-running event of its kind. Decades before the modern T20 format revolutionised cricket, Kuantan’s six-a-side tournament was already pioneering a fast-paced, entertaining version of the game.
More than just a cricket competition, this tournament embodies the spirit of muhibbah and harmony. It continues to be a cherished annual tradition, uniting people across generations and serving as a testament to the enduring love for cricket and community in Kuantan.
The Kuantan Ceylonese Association’s six-a-side cricket tournament is not just a celebration of sport; it is a story of tradition, camaraderie, and an unwavering commitment to fostering goodwill. It is indeed something to be proud of – a living legacy of Kuantan’s vibrant sporting history.
