Gujarat cricket team awarded with cow instead of trophy

Vadodara: In an unusual cricket tournament organised by Rabari community in Vadodara, Gujarat, the winning team was awarded a much important prize than a trophy- a cow!

In the wake of controversy regarding cow slaughter, the organisers took this opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of cow.

The Rabari community in Gujarat has been predominantly pastoralists and has a close connection with cattle. Though the society has progressed but they still stay close to their roots.

Since 2016 the community devised a unique way to raise awareness about cows by awarding the animal as a prize to the man of the match.

"With this tournament we want to send a message that cow is a very important component of our society. Rabari community has always protected the cattle as it is our livelihood," Organiser of the tournament Prakash Rabari said.

With the current countrywide turmoil regarding cow and politics around it, the community in 2017 decided to give away a 'Gyr' calf to each of the members of the winning team of the tournament.

A player Raju Rabari said "We want the state to recognize cow as the National Animal, only then we can save them."

He added that all the players were immensely happy receiving such a prize after winning the match.

By this gesture, the Rabari community in Gujarat tried to send a message around the country about the importance of the cow.