NOTES FROM ABROAD
The game continues to establish itself in the sporting landscape of Luxembourg. Eight clubs with multiple teams compete in two divisions (men’s). Optimists CC play home and away in the Belgium League (50 overs). The women’s side are now ICC ranked and play in many local and international tournaments. Youth cricket flourishes. The Under 19 boys contested a two-day Test Match v Czechia in Prague during the summer. The under 13s travelled to the Swiss Alps for an international junior competition. The winter Indoor League thrives. All is pretty good.
Zuoz Cricket Ground, Swiss Alps
Except, there is one fly in the ointment. “One of the biggest challenges facing the small central European country is ground space. Basically, nearly all of the cricket is played on the Pierre Warner Oval but the hope is that with the increasing profile of cricket the local Communes will allocate new pitches” is an extract from an article written in January 2022.
Still no change on the ground front. All men's, women's, youth, internationals and friendlies continue to be played on the Pierre Warner Oval. The ground itself is developing into a top facility due to investment and hard work by members and is now said to be one of the best playing surfaces on mainland Europe.
“We are now having to turn down fixtures due to demand on the ground which is not ideal. Hopefully, in the near future other venues will be developed across the country” comments Atif Kamal, former Luxembourg international who previously played for Malahide CC and Cork County CC in Ireland.
Pierre Warner Oval
Another annoying fly buzzing about is the doubt hanging over the successful European Cricket Network (ECN) tournaments, mostly T10, which have been played across the length and breadth of the European mainland over the last number of years. The issue relates to sponsorship and the online gaming industry in India and recent Indian legislation.
Although there are no ECN tournaments hosted in Luxembourg they have a significant impact on the game locally. The winners of the domestic Cup competition and the national team compete in ECN events in locations such as the Cartama Oval, Malaga, mostly all expenses paid. If these tournaments are no more it would be a blow to all cricket across Europe including Luxembourg.
Back to my pal Atif. After near 10 years in the Grand Duchy he has re-located to the UK. On the cricket front he hopes to join up with a local club in the Kent area in the coming season. When talking to Atif it is clear that his cricketing heart is still very connected to his former home. He continues to turn out for Griffins CC, a travelling troop of Luxembourgers who tour once a year, most recently to Granada Cricket Club in Andaluza, Southern Spain. Check out the photos on Granada Instagram page. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves!
Finally, Atif hopes to be involved in the 50 year celebrations of Optimists CC, Luxembourg’s oldest club. The highlight will be a match against a touring MCC XI in June 2026 in the Pierre Warner Oval.
