Cricket has been played in Cyprus for many years, but has mainly been confined to the British Army bases. The European Cricket Council, given the task of promoting cricket throughout Europe, encouraged Cyprus Cricket to form its own organisation, the Cyprus Cricket Association, with its own committee and constitution. Since 2003 they have been organising cricket on the island, extended the game into the towns, set up a league, started youth cricket in the schools, and formed a national team to enter European competitions. The European Cricket Council has provided funds to promote youth cricket, and trained coaches to go out into the schools.
The British Army has been very supportive, giving access to its facilities, and entering teams into the newly formed league. The 2005 league champions were a military side, WSBA. In 2006 there were eight league teams, made up of cricketers from Cyprus, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Australia and England.
There is a 20:20 knockout competition, and an early season six a side competition. Touring teams come from England in early and late summer to extend their own season and have a holiday in the sun!
Happy Valley is the main cricket venue in Cyprus, consisting of two pitches both concrete with artificial turf – with full sized outfields with sightscreens. This is WSBA’s ‘home’ ground and the venue for all touring team games. It is easily reached by following Limassol-Paphos motorway to the Episkopi Garrison.
Potamia is the only pitch near Nicosia. Two football pitches side by side make up a full sized outfield with a plastic flicx pitch placed between the two. This is used mostly for matches involving Nicosia teams.
Aynic is the home ground for the military team ESBA on a high and breezy location right next to the border between Southern and Northern Cyprus, overlooking the town of Famagusta in the north. Play is on a concrete pitch with an artificial grass surface with a full size outfield.
Elias Beach is the Country Club associated with Elias Beach hotel on the Limassol sea front. A charming location set up in the hills, it is however a little small for cricket and is only used occasionally and has a flicx pitch laid over grass.
Oroklini is the only cricket venue in Larnaca. Situated just outside Larnaca, off the Dekelia road, it is a complex of four football pitches.
To learn more about current events and latest news on this most English of sporting activities visit website www.cypruscricket.com.
