‘Finally’ cricket in Wageningen

Text and photos Julia van der Westhuyzen

It is about time cricket also became a Wageningen sport, according to the Indian Student Association. The first cricket match will be on June 18 and, in preparation, players were auctioned off last weekend. Student editor Julia van der Westhuyzen was there.

This Saturday, Forum hosted the Wageningen Cricket Premier League Auction. This event marks the beginning of a brand-new initiative from the members of ISA (Indian Student Association).

‘Even though a number of people are huge enthusiasts, cricket is not offered as an official sport here in Wageningen,’ says Bhakti Pawani, ISA events coordinator. ‘For this reason, we thought of organizing a league. We’ve now tried to follow the format of the Indian Premier league where you auction players, there are team managers, names, logos and then a game. A lot of people are hyped up about the idea!’

At least one woman

Tension in the auction room was high. Only halfway through, some managers had used almost all their budget but had not yet filled their team… ‘Every team is allocated 1000 Wageningen Premier League Coins. They have to spend these coins on their players. There are several rounds for different types of players. Every manager also has to pick at least one female member for the team,’ explains Bhakti.

Silence falls as a player profile is projected onto the wall – prior to the auction each player had to perform self-evaluation of their skills to be presented. Team managers huddled around desks to discuss their bidding strategy. As the floor opens bidding paddles pop up and down all around the room – raising the stakes. Finally, with the crack of a hammer each player is “sold”.

The idea was first conceptualized on Liberation Day and in this short amount of time a huge amount of planning has taken place. ‘This tournament will be a stepping stone. If we make a good case, hopefully we can approach the Bongerd and show that there is a need to make cricket at WUR more formalized,’ says Bhakti. ‘I also hope we will get funding from the uni to organize more events,’ adds Nandeesh Jalahalli Rangegowda, ISA treasurer.

Religion

But why cricket? The initial advertisement for this event reads “For us Indians, cricket isn’t just a game. It is a bona fide religion!” This is confirmed by Abhishek, logistics coordinator at ISA who says in India, cricket really is an everyday activity. ‘In a foreign country you lose traditions which you’ve been following your whole life. This tournament will allow people to express themselves and re-live moments from home.’

The match will take place on the 18^th and 19^th of June in Bongerd field D, entrance will be 3 euros. Attendees can expect a celebration of Indian tradition aimed both at making Indians feel at home but also welcoming other students to have fun. Abhishek adds ‘If you’re reading this, come to more ISA events!’ Teams are named after places in Wageningen and include the Hoevestein Hurricanes , Haarweg Highflyers, Bornsesteeg Barbarians and Asserpark Royal Kings. Wageningen’s very own state-level player turned scientist, Dr. Soumya Kar, will also be involved as a manager.