Cricket takes off in Ireland

Cricket in Ireland is as good as rugby in India.

Though cricket was first played in the 1830’s on Irish soil, the sport is finding acceptance in the country only in recent times. Thanks to the national squad’s 2007 World Cup efforts, things are looking up for the Englishman’s game in Ireland.

But the task is easier said than done for the people involved with Irish cricket. “Apart from the conditions, which are not too favourable to play cricket, the facilities are not there yet at the moment in Ireland,” opines Trent Johnston, 36-year-old right-hand batter for Ireland.

“Cricket is still a minor sport in Ireland and we have to constantly compete with games like rugby, football, boxing and others, which are more popular,” adds Johnston who moved from Australia in 2003 to represent the Irish national team.

For Phil Simmons, former West Indies opener, who took over as Ireland coach in 2007, the job hasn’t been as challenging as it could have been, thanks to the national team’s performance in 2007 where they beat Pakistan in the league and sent them home. 

“It was a lot more of a challenge for the coach before me,” admits Simmons. “Today, a lot more people play cricket in Ireland which has made my job easy. Ireland’s 2007 performance has opened up the door and these guys have done well in the past five years to lift the profile of the game,” he feels.

Ireland are already deprived of international exposure with just one big team touring Ireland each year. With the recent talks of ICC contemplating on restricting the World Cup to 10 teams, Ireland have a reasons to prove their talent at this year’s tournament in order to reap the benefits.

“The number of International games we play is a bit disappointing. A lot of things have to be put in place and it all depends on how we do in the next five years. But with talks of restricting the WC to top 10 teams, there will be that extra bit of pressure on us this world cup,” concludes the senior player.