Malta Cricket keen to lure youngsters, women to sport

Malta Cricket want to increase the level of participation in cricket and are calling on youngsters and women to take up the sport.

The relegation of the Maltese national side from the third division of the European section has spurred the local governing body of cricket to raise its efforts to entice more newcomers.

"Last September, the Malta men's national team played in the third division of the European section and were relegated to the fourth division," Malta Cricket said in a statement.

"In three of their previous four appearances, Malta made it to the semi-finals. The team that took part in this year's tournament featured minor changes from the past editions but the other nations refreshed their squads.

"The reason for this is that other countries have junior teams which are competing at youth level (U-15, U-17 and U-19).

"This gives them a bigger pool of players to choose from. Eventually these players have the chance to represent their country at the highest level.

"Malta Cricket would also want to participate in such events. The first step towards this is having enough players to make a league in each category. This is a call for people/teenagers who are looking for a new sport.

"It also applies for women. Malta Cricket is also looking to create a women's team to participate in European tournaments."

Over the past couple of weeks, there have been no matches from domestic competitions because the Marsa Cricket Ground is being reseeded. Malta Cricket said works have been carried out at an alternate ground at the Safi Barracks to make it playable.

On Saturday, an exhibition game between Krishna and Melita will be played at the Safi ground, starting at noon.

For more information on cricket in Malta visit www.maltacricket.biz, send an email to secretary@maltacricket.biz or phone 7933-0702.