The final of Ukraine’s cricket championship on July 4 was beset by confusion over the rules, stormy weather and a poor pitch, highlighting some of the challenges this sport will have to overcome if it is to gain popularity.
The match, between Kharkiv’s Ananta and Kyiv’s Ranbaxy, the country’s two strongest teams, took place at Kyiv’s Voskhod stadium, and ended unfinished in a draw after wind and rain forced a three-hour break in play.
During the day-long event, the one thing that came through from spectators and players alike was enthusiasm for the game, despite all the problems with infrastructure and complex rules.
Thamarai Pandian, founder of Kyiv Cricket Club and Indian businessman.
“You see, the whole cricket thing is being carried on by a group of enthusiasts,” said Ranbaxy captain Ragendra Sailesh. “We already have sponsors who help with equipment and organization of tournaments, and I hope one day the Kyiv Cricket Club (KCC), the country’s cricket federation, will get its own arena.”
This is one step of many ahead on the road to what these enthusiasts hope will be the creation of a Ukrainian national team in time for when the sport gains Olympic status in 2020. There’s a long way to go.
The finals day began with a mix-up. After Ananta posted their first run of the day, they decided to replace one of their players. Arguing ensued as their opponents claimed this was against the rules. Eventually, Ananta was allowed to change the player, and the game resumed.
An hour later, the weather interfered – the sun had suddenly disappeared and strong wind tore away a couple of banners and tossed them across the field. Rain began to pelt down, sending everyone fleeing from the field under wobbly tents.
Some people escaped to a covered structure that once was a gym to watch their kids play an improvised soccer game while waiting for the cricket tournament restart. The downpour lasted for at least three hours, but the abundance of cheap beer and gourmet Indian food kept the spectators in good spirits.
The players couldn’t get back to the pitch until 7 p.m., and the remaining daytime was not enough for them to finish the game. Eventually, the game was stopped and the teams declared joint winners. Ananta scored 121 from 20 overs while Ananta had reached 63 from 14 overs.
Cricket, one of the most popular games in former British colonies, has good prospects in Ukraine, according to KCC founder, Indian businessman Thamarai Pandian. “It’s huge in India, all cricket players are mega stars,” Pandian said. “And, again, you can make good money on it – like selling tickets, TV licenses and advertising rights. There are more than 2 billion cricket viewers all over the world, so it’s a big sport and big business.”
It may not be the most popular outdoor activity in this country, but Ukrainians are keen on trying something new. Some ten years ago golf was viewed as a very exotic game in Ukraine, but now there are several golf courses in Kyiv, Pandian said.
“Give cricket some time and we’ll get there. There is already one Ukrainian cricket team in Kaharlyk [a small town south of Kyiv] that is managed by Australian native Wayne Zschech,” he said. “There are also some celebrities interested in cricket, for example, Zhenia Tymoshenko-Carr, daughter of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Zhenia’s husband, Sean Carr, plays cricket, so she used to come to our games.”
Getting a permanent stadium would be a boost to plans to attract more fans. The poorly tended field at Voskhod could be improved if a sponsor is found and properly looked after. The sport already has one fan there, won over despite the sport’s complex rules.
“I’ve been a huge fan of this game for the last six years,” said Serhiy Shabliy, a stadium manager and a former soccer coach. “At first, I didn’t understand the rules and the game seemed to be boring, but as soon as I understood the techniques and the scoring system I fell in love it.”
“Ukrainian teenagers tend to show up for the tournaments, I usually explain them the rules and they become real fans,” he added. “So far we have just a few dedicated fans but I am sure there will be more.”
Kyiv Post staff writer Olesia Oleshko can be reached at oleshko@kyivpost.com.
