In a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and mutual respect, a friendly cricket match between the Income Tax Department, Coimbatore and the Coimbatore Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was held at the SNR Grounds.

The event, filled with passion, partnership, and powerful play, brought together two of India’s most vital financial communities — tax administrators and chartered accountants.

The match was inaugurated with the ceremonial toss by G. Ramaswamy, Past President of ICAI, in the presence of Shri Diwakar Prasad, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, and other dignitaries. Their presence marked the symbolic coming together of institutions committed to transparency, governance, and nation-building.

CA. S. Venkatesh, President of the Auditors Association of Southern India, graced the occasion and appreciated the initiative that strengthened the professional bond through sport. The day’s star was undoubtedly D. Santhosh of the Income Tax XI, who delivered a sensational unbeaten knock of 173 runs off 79 balls, earning him the Best Batsman of the Tournament title. His explosive innings was the highlight of an already electrifying contest.

Senthil Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, presented awards to outstanding performers. The Income Tax XI emerged as the champions, while the ICAI Coimbatore XI played valiantly to become the runner-up team.

The medals and trophies were presented during the closing ceremony by D. Lakshminarayanaswamy, President of the Coimbatore District Cricket Association, who joined the celebrations in the evening. He handed over the trophies alongside senior officials from the Income Tax Department and office bearers of the ICAI Coimbatore Branch.

In a time when digital interfaces and faceless assessments dominate the professional landscape, this match stood out as a beautiful reminder of the human connections that sustain our institutions. It celebrated not just cricket, but trust, teamwork, and the shared responsibility of building a financially strong India.