Cricket: The Gentleman’s Game in Croatia
Written by neha
Football is a national passion in Croatia. The local league is closely and passionately followed, and the national team usually graces the front pages of the newspapers (recently headlines have been scorching, given the possible failure of the national team to qualify for the coming world cup). Whatever little space football can spare is shared between tennis, handball, basketball and athletics. But in the shadows and far far away from media attention is a modest but promising cricket movement.
Cricket first came to Croatia in 1815, when the British established a naval presence on the small island of Vis. The game died out as the seat of power shifted. But in the late 1990s it made a quiet comeback on these shores. In less than ten years Croatian cricket has moved up to the International Cricket Council’s European division two and has established a competitive local league.
The main centres of Croatian cricket are Zagreb, Split and the island of Vis. The national team can be seen playing at various European tournaments and the local league hosts a number of international cricket clubs during the summer. This allows visiting cricket clubs to get in a game of cricket and also squeeze in a bit of sightseeing. Passing tourists are always welcomed to watch the games characterized by great spirit, enthusiasm for the game, and a sizzling barbeque and beers after.
More Tips for Things to Do in Croatia
We’ve lots more tips on what to do in Croatia on Europe a la Carte.
Have you read the excellent book by Angus Bell “Batting on the Bosphorus”? He travels through eastern Europe looking for a game of cricket and writes very glowingly of the Croatian game.
Andy, I have. In fact I met him during a tournament in Wales last year.
I’ve seen cricket in Hong Kong and San Francisco but a game in Croatia is far more surprising than either of those. Saying that, with the enthusiasm of the Indian community, I guess cricket could turn up in all parts of the planet.
Mark, the great thing about cricket in Croatia is that it is a home grown movement. It’s the Croats on the field!
Hi guys. Yes cricket was started by local Croat guys believe it or not, in the Split area. Later, with many ex pat Croats living and holidaying in Croatia, the number of players grew where we now have 3 clubs, with the plan of a Sibenik club being established in the next year. we have many sides from the UK that tour during the summer. All in all, a true sport for Croats where you can eat, drink and play sport all at the same time!!!
[...] Source Category: Best Cricket Articles Tags: Cricket Clubs, Great Spirit, International Cricket, National Passion, Naval Presence, Space Football [...]