London Cricket Tournament – 2011
On Sunday 31st July London hosted the Maher 2011 Cricket tournament, with members of the Maher community coming from across the country to take part. Unlike previous tournaments where the teams were met by rain and cold, this time they were greeted with sunshine and three pitched for a day full of cricket. Adults and youths alike had a great day as mentioned by Mitesh Karavadra “the cricket tournament was a great day and also a great success, as not only did everyone have a great time, but it was a perfect opportunity for all members of the Maher Community to meet and mingle with one another, especially those that had travelled from towns and cities across the UK to take part in this festive day”
With India’s win in the Cricket World Cup, it seems that Cricket is the sport that all Indians want to play, this enthusiasm for the sport was emphasised by Leicester who not only had one team or two but FIVE! But though these teams showed the competitive side of the sport with each team determined to win, the fun side of cricket was shown by the Loughborough and London teams. What they lacked on the pitch they more than made up for during the day through there sportsmanship, support and good natured laughter that kept us few onlookers entertained.
It was like any other Maher tournaments filled with competition, controversies and commitment. Though all teams played their best it was Leicester against Leicester in the finals. Due to unscheduled breaks, lack of co-operation and games going over the allotted time the final wasn’t played which would have made this a great tournament. However Leicester were the winners resulting in them taking home the shield yet again but his time as joint winners.
Though the debate of “virtual cricket” was continued the adults played a series of games, however there were no under 16s teams which put a damper on the festivities. Hopefully next year there will be more of a verity of teams in terms of where they are from as well as age. And though this is repeated every time we are once again hopeful that more members from the hosting town come out to not only support the teams but socialise with one another, an opportunity that these tournaments give us.