Harris Shield inter-school cricket tournament: Coin toss flips 32 teams as rain wreaks havoc

RR Educational Trust players celebrate their win by toss of the coin at MCA-BKC. Pic/Atul Kamble

The 129th edition of the MSSA Harris Shield inter-school cricket tournament had a difficult start with torrential rain wreaking havoc on the schedule and forcing as many as 32 matches to be decided by a coin toss. The abrupt eliminations have left several school teams disappointed, particularly those featuring Class 10 students, who view the tournament as their last school sports assignment.

The MSSA had originally planned to begin the tournament on October 27, but persistent rain forced postponements, first to October 29, and then again to October 31. MSSA cricket secretary Nadim Memon expressed his regret about the unforeseen setbacks.

"Due to the rain we were unable to have our matches. We waited till 2pm, but thereafter, as per the umpires, we had to opt for the coin toss. We have a total of 212 teams participating this year and have to ensure things are on track. I feel very bad for the schools who have been knocked out without playing," Memon said.