Chicken Premier League! UP cricket match turns heads after 'Man of the Match' awarded ‘pure desi’ chicken

Cricket never really leaves the spotlight. Every day, somewhere in the country, a match is being played and celebrated with full energy. Most of these tournaments may not make national headlines, but sometimes a small moment from a local ground travels far beyond the boundary. This week, one such moment from Uttar Pradesh has caught social media’s full attention.A local cricket tournament in UP is trending online after the ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded a live chicken. The video from the event is being widely shared, and it is the prize distribution that has become the main point of discussion. The viral clip shows organisers handing over a live local chicken to the player who was declared ‘Man of the Match’. Instead of a traditional trophy or cash reward, the bird was presented amid cheers and laughter from the people gathered there. What is usually a routine ceremony quickly turned into a memorable scene.Local cricket matches are known for their community spirit. Still, this kind of reward surprised many viewers online.According to a report by News 18, the match was part of the MPL tournament being held in the Pathardeva constituency of Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh. While neighbourhood and district level tournaments often offer prizes like trophies, cash or even motorcycles, this particular award stood out.As soon as the clip surfaced, it began gaining attention across platforms.The video was shared on social media platform X by a user named Prakash Yadav Pk. While posting it, he mentioned that the organisers had presented a “pure desi" chicken to the Man of the Match. He also wrote, “India is not for beginners".The caption quickly became part of the online conversation and added to the buzz around the video.Social media users responded with humour. One person commented that the uniqueness of the prize made the event stand out. Another joked that there should have been something for vegetarians as well. A third user quipped, “Local Premier League or Chicken Premier League."Most of the reactions were light and playful, with many saying they had never seen such a ‘Man of the Match’ award before.Cricket continues to be the most loved sport across the country, from small local tournaments to bigger competitions. Sometimes, it is these grassroots matches that create the most talked about moments. In this MPL tournament in Pathardeva, it was the decision to award a live rooster that turned an ordinary match into a viral story.For many online, this was not just a cricket prize ceremony. It became a reminder that local cricket always finds its own way to stay in the spotlight.Disclaimer: The viral video and reactions mentioned in this article are based on social media posts. The Times of India has not independently verified the authenticity, exact date, or full context of the video. Viewer comments reflect individual opinions shared online.Thumb image: X