Surrey Cricket Foundation (SCF) launched their first Ramadan Street League at The Kia Oval on Monday.
The first session of the indoor league, free of cost and open to all adults aged over 18, started at 10pm – after players had broken their fast – running until after midnight.
Over 25 cricketers representing Dulwich Snow Leopards, Old Emmanuel CC or Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth CC went head-to-head in the opening fixtures. The teams play eight-a-side matches, using a tapeball – a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape – and each innings lasts eight five-ball-overs.
The aim of the programme is to ensure that those fasting are still able to take part in the sport that they love at a time that works for them. It’s an important part of SCF’s vision to ensure that cricket is accessible for all people.
The league will run throughout Ramadan, with sessions taking place on each Monday after dusk. For the last session on 17 April, the Club will also organise an Iftar celebration for the street cricketers and the staff at The Kia Oval.
Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation in Surrey, said: “We understand that playing cricket whilst fasting can be very challenging, so wanted to ensure that those observing Ramadan have a safe space to play cricket once they have broken their fast.
“The Ramadan Street League is a creative and safe way of opening access to cricket; it brings people together for evenings of entertaining cricket at The Kia Oval.
“The programme’s start has been really positive, and we will work towards ensuring that the league only grows from here on.”
For information about the Ramadan Street League, please contact Elliott Rousen at erousen@surreycricket.com.
