Edgbaston hosts Club’s first Vaisakhi Cricket Cup
Edgbaston came alive with a carnival of colour, music and cricket as the Club celebrated the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi with a fun cricket competition this week.
Around 80 people took part in the Vaisakhi Cricket Cup at Edgbaston’s indoor centre – including many women and children who are new to the sport – as mixed teams played off in a softball tournament.
The action was accompanied by bhangra beats from Birmingham Sikh drumming group – Eternal Taal, while a lunch was provided for all entrants.
It’s the first time Edgbaston has staged a Vaisakhi event and, following the success of the inaugural competition, the Club plans to develop it over coming years.
Edgbaston MP Preet Gill, who entered a team consisting of family and friends, praised the Club for reaching out to the Sikh community across Birmingham.
“I’ve enjoyed taking part, it’s been a brilliant experience,” she added, “Cricket is a sport that unifies communities and we’ve seen this here with the diversity of ages and backgrounds involved. Everyone is absorbed by the cricket, really interested, and it’s brilliant to see.
“Stadia like Edgbaston should be bringing people together and be a focal point of communities. For people in my constituency, this should be their stadium, not just to come and spectate but to actively play a part and get involved in events like this.
“Events like this show how open and welcoming the Club is…I’m proud to be taking part.”
The Vaisakhi Cricket Cup is part of the Club’s Edgbaston for Everyone pledge to make the ground a welcoming, safe space for all and to make cricket accessible to everyone from all backgrounds.
Simran Riat from the Warwickshire Cricket Board organised the event.
She said, “The event was aimed at beginners as we wanted it to be an introduction to cricket for women and children who’d perhaps never picked up a bat and ball before.
“There were lots of smiles and laughs, but also a competitive edge amongst the teams as we came towards the final stages.
“Hopefully it’ll inspire the children to play more cricket as there are huge physical and mental health benefits. Who knows, we may have ignited a spark in some of these children that could lead to a fulfilling career in cricket. That would be amazing!”
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