Img 20260629 Wa0010
*Plateau Warriors Crowned Champions of Maiden Chairman’s Cup Cricket Tournament 2026*
Plateau Warriors emerged champions of the inaugural Chairman’s Cup Cricket Tournament 2026 after defeating Team UNIJOS by six runs in a thrilling final played at St. John’s College, Jos, Plateau State.
The two-day T20 tournament, organized by the Plateau State Cricket Association, featured four teams: Plateau Cricket Team, Plateau Young Stars, Plateau Warriors, and Team UNIJOS.
In the opening match, Plateau Young Stars won the toss and elected to field against Team UNIJOS. Batting first, UNIJOS posted 89 runs in 17.2 overs. Plateau Young Stars could only manage 56 runs in 14.2 overs, handing UNIJOS a 37-run victory.
The second match saw Plateau Warriors dominate Plateau Cricket Team. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Warriors scored an impressive 102 runs in 15 overs. Plateau Cricket Team responded with 72 runs in 16.5 overs, giving Plateau Warriors a comfortable 30-run win.
The third-place playoff featured Plateau Young Stars against Plateau Cricket Team. Plateau Cricket Team won the toss and elected to field. Plateau Young Stars scored 78 runs in 15.1 overs, but Plateau Cricket Team successfully chased the target, scoring 79 runs in 10 overs to secure victory.
In the grand finale, Team UNIJOS won the toss and chose to field. Plateau Warriors posted a competitive total of 99 runs in 16.1 overs. Despite a spirited chase, Team UNIJOS finished with 93 runs in their allotted 20 overs, allowing Plateau Warriors to claim the title by six runs.
Final standings saw Plateau Warriors finish first, Team UNIJOS second, and Plateau Young Stars third.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of the Plateau State Cricket Association, Mr. Stephen Dayok, commended the board members, organizers, coaches Aliyu Magaji, Tisgir Laitet & Samson Yerima, for the great sacrifices they’ve made. He equally appreciated the participants for contributing to the success of the tournament. Thereafter, Mr Dayok, informed players that cricket has now been made a compulsory sport at both the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, creating more opportunities for competition and talent development.
He urged players to intensify their efforts and work towards restoring Plateau State’s dominance in cricket, particularly within the North Central Zone.
The maiden edition of the Chairman’s Cup was widely regarded as a success, with stakeholders already looking forward to an even bigger second edition in 2027.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade
Media, PLCA
