Cricket thrives in Kuwait despite lack of interest by nationals

Tony Munro

February 19, 1999

It's not often a sport can be ignored by local nationals and enjoy popular support but that is the case of cricket in Kuwait.

While only two Arabs are known to play cricket in Kuwait, the sport thrives in a country where 70% of the population is comprised of immigrants.

Expatriate Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis plus a sprinkling of Australians, New Zealanders and Englishmen help maintain a busy Kuwaiti cricket scene which supports senior, masters and numerous junior competitions.

Not unexpectedly heat is the game's main adversary for those competing in the various competitions of the Kuwait Cricket Association, leaving the KCA with no turf wickets or grass-topped grounds, bar the Ahmadi ground, which has a green-top.

Lack of interest from the local Arab population means employers or company executives are neither willing to release staff for cricket matches, where they might for football, or financially support tournaments or cricket's development.

Salmiya Cricket Club led the Gulf Bank Super League, the country's first division competition, at last report from Hubara Cricketers and Evergreen Al Sayer CC. Other teams competing in the League are Bombay Stars C.C., Unity Cricketers, Gulf Bank C.C., Union C.C. and Al Mulla C.C. Twelve teams comprise the Behbani League, Kuwait's 'second division' competition.

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