A Malayali cricket league in London

The Ford Sports Ground on the outskirts of Ilford in east London is famous for its splendid natural beauty. A vast expanse of lush green meadows forming a rustic backdrop for the three cricket pitches make the view more scenic. It is hard to find such a stunning playground in our part of the world. Even if there is one, concrete structures might be popping up there at a fast pace, permanently marring the aesthetics of the area.

The ground is a beehive of activity. All the three pitches are in use and all over the ground, local cricketers, donning flannels, bat and bowl with great passion as if they were soaking in the World Cup cricket frenzy. Though the ground is located in the UK capital, the shouts and cheers from the sidelines are in Malayalam. For, it is where matches of the UK Malayali Cricket League (UKMCL) are being played.

Currently, a tournament in the T20 format under the UKMCL is under way. As the association’s family get-together is taking place simultaneously, women and children are also in attendance. They are seen enjoying the match thoroughly as every four, six and fall of wicket are greeted with loud cheers.

The organising committee is headed by UKMCL chairman Navas Ravuthar, who hails from Attingal, and Sreejith Sreedhar, a native of Pathanamthitta and an office-bearer of the Malayalee Association of the UK.

Currently, the UKMCL, which was launched in 2003, has six teams playing in the home-and-away format. The matches are held only on the weekends. Around 250 Malayali cricketers from the east London and Croydon regions are part of the teams.

The UKMCL traces its roots East Ham Cricket Club, a recreational initiative launched by a group of London-based Keralites in 1986, says Sreejith. “At times, the league has featured as many as eight teams. In the T20 tournament, clubs from other parts of the UK that are managed by Keralites are also allowed to participate,” he adds.

The players in the UKMCL are now gearing up to watch India’s matches in the ongoing World Cup. “Unfortunately, many of them could not get a ticket. But all are upbeat about India’s chances in the showpiece event.Mark my words, 1983 will repeat at Lord’s and Virat Kohli will lift the title,” says Navas Ravuthar.