Established in 1972, the Karnewar Trophy is one of India's longest-running and most prestigious grassroots cricket tournaments. Hosted in Nagpur, it has been recognized by three BCCI Presidents and numerous national and international cricketers for its significant contribution to cricket across multiple age groups and formats.

With over five decades of commitment to grassroots cricket, the Karnewar Trophy continues to inspire young talent from across the region.

Shri Jagdish Karnewar has been organizing the Karnewar Trophy with the sole objective of enriching cricket and strengthening brotherhood through sports. A life member of the Vidarbha Cricket Association since 1965, he has never pursued power, money, or politics. Instead, he has dedicated his entire life to the development of cricket. His selfless commitment continues to inspire generations and uphold the true spirit of the game. 

Today, the Karnewar Trophy is carried forward with the same unwavering principles by his only son, Omkar Jagdish Karnewar, who remains deeply committed to preserving his father's legacy, values, and the noble purpose for which this tournament was founded. 

In the picture: Shri Suhas Phadkar, former Ranji Trophy captain and Vidarbha Gymkhana captain, felicitating Shri Jagdish Karnewar on the occasion of the 50th year of the Karnewar Trophy in 2021

The Late Dadasaheb Karnewar Trophy has been organized since 1972 by Shri Jagdish Anandrao Karnewar, Founder President of both the Karnewar Trophy and Vidarbha Gymkhana, in loving memory of his father, Late Dadasaheb alias Anandrao Karnewar. The tournament has been held without interruption for over five decades, celebrating its Golden Jubilee in 2021. 

Vidarbha Gymkhana, established in 1969 by Shri Jagdish Karnewar, was created to promote cricket in Nagpur and is officially affiliated with Vidarbha Cricket Association. The Karnewar Trophy is organized under the banner of Vidarbha Gymkhana. Under his leadership, it has served as a crucial platform for nurturing cricketing talent across the region. 

In 2017, he further expanded his mission by founding the Karnewar Cricket Academy, a grassroots development initiative nurturing young cricketers under the Gymkhana's umbrella. 

Shri Jagdish Karnewar is widely recognized as a pioneer of inter-school cricket, tennis ball cricket, and Twenty20 tournaments in Nagpur, well before these formats gained mainstream popularity. His unwavering dedication to cricket, youth development, and community service continues to shape the identity and enduring legacy of the Karnewar Trophy today.

Legacy In Frames

In 1994, Ramakant Achrekar, the legendary coach of Sachin Tendulkar, visited Shri Jagdish Karnewar at his residence and personally congratulated him for his tireless contribution to cricket as an organizer. 

In 1998, he was felicitated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the then Mayor of Nagpur, at an event jointly organized by the Sports Journalists Association of Nagpur and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation for his distinguished contribution to cricket. 

In 2001, Bishan Singh Bedi, former Indian captain, also honoured him at a special felicitation ceremony organized by the Lokmat Group. 

Despite such acknowledgments from cricketing legends and institutions, Shri Jagdish Karnewar never sought recognition, awards, or publicity. His only aim was to serve the game. 

Today, it is difficult to find a single cricketer who has not played in the Karnewar Trophy -- a true testament to the scale and legacy of his contribution. 

In the picture: Shri Jagdish Karnewar with his wife, Smt Kavita Karnewar

Over the past five decades, a series of prestigious tournaments has been organized under the Karnewar Trophy banner. These events span multiple formats and age groups, and have collectively witnessed the participation of more than 160,000 cricketers. 

From pioneering inter-school cricket to introducing T20 formats and grassroots development leagues, the Karnewar legacy continues to play a vital role in shaping cricket across Nagpur and the Vidarbha region. 

In the picture: Shri Arun Ogiral, former Vidarbha and Indian cricketer, at the inaugural ceremony of the Karnewar Inter-School Under-10 Tournament in 1996 

Age Groups and Formats Covered: 

• Inter-School Cricket: Leather Ball Under-9 to Under-16 

• Inter-College Cricket: Leather Ball Junior U-17, U-19, and Senior College 

• Tennis Ball Cricket: Girls Inter-School and Open Inter-Club 

• Special Categories Cricket: All India Blind and All India Disabled 

Notable Karnewar Trophy Alumni In Indian Cricket    

Evolution Of The Dadasaheb Karnewar Trophy

Karnewar Trophy: Recognized Names Since 1972