Cricket in Egypt - ancient hurdles in an old land

It is almost fitting that in one of humanity's oldest civilisations, the hurdles enthusiasts face in keeping cricket alive in Egypt should be so sterotypical of all those who have sought to establish cricket in 'hostile' lands.

For while the ancient civilisation was founded on an at best dreary existence for its slave workers who built the great monuments, there is a sameness about the obstacles the hardy souls who play cricket in Cairo must overcome to play the sport they love.

"Last year we had five teams playing in a competition - now this year there are about a dozen of us who turn up for practice each Sunday," Ajay Mehra said this week.

"This is the way it is - expatriates come and go," Mr. Mehra said.

It is the cricket season in Egypt presently, but there have been no matches played.

"Another hurdle was that the ground we were using at an American college is now used for rugby and this means the longer grass makes it impossible for us to play on."

Conversely last season matches were played between Sri Lankan, Indian, Afghan and Commonwealth teams.

Mr. Mehra said cricket had been played in Cairo for about five years, with the usual wavering numbers associated with competitions reliant on transient workers.

"Mostly the players here are expatriates on Indian origin working on assignment."

He said the thirst for cricket is still strong among the players and they would love to host visiting teams.

"There is a ground of sorts here where I work at the Oberoi Hotel - we lay matting on grass."

If you would like to help keep cricket alive in Cairo, you can contact Mr. Mehra on +20-2-3833222, +20-2-3833444, or +20-2-3853455 (f), or obhtlseg@link.com.eg