Uttar Pradesh: Deoria cricket tournament awards live chicken as 'Man of the Match' trophy; watch video

New Delhi: You've likely seen players on the cricket field receiving glittering trophies, medals, or cheques worth lakhs of rupees. But a video has emerged from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh that has changed the very definition of cricket prizes! Here, the player who won the 'Man of the Match' award in a local tournament was given not a trophy or medal, but a 'live Indian chicken'.

What's the whole story?

This unique scene unfolded in Mahuari village, in the Pathardewa Assembly constituency of Deoria. The 'Mahuari Premier League' held here has now gone viral on social media, more for its prize than for its game itself.

According to reports, the tournament was played from February 1st to 8th, 2026, with 16 teams from nearby villages participating enthusiastically. But when it came to awarding prizes after the match, the organizers surprised everyone. There was neither a cup nor a cash envelope on the stage.

The organizers had arranged for a "desi chicken" for the winning team and the best-performing players. As soon as the "Man of the Match" was announced, the organizers came on stage with a live chicken. When the players from Pathardewa and Belahi were presented with this unique award, the spectators were initially surprised, but then the entire arena erupted in laughter and applause.

What is the reaction on social media?

Videos of this tournament are rapidly going viral on social media. The videos show players posing for photos holding a chicken in their hands. People are calling it a "pure desi tournament." While IPL and international cricket bring in millions of rupees, this village tournament has captured everyone's attention with its simplicity and unique "organic reward." Users also had a blast in the comments section.