The delights of small-town cricket in southwest France

The delights of small-town cricket in southwest France
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Catus CC was formed in 2004 and received a boost in 2007 when the mayor granted the use of an area of flat land near Lac Vert. (Supplied)
The delights of small-town cricket in southwest France
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Catus CC was formed in 2004 and received a boost in 2007 when the mayor granted the use of an area of flat land near Lac Vert. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 August 2024
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The delights of small-town cricket in southwest France

The delights of small-town cricket in southwest France
  • Catus CC, established in 2004 in a village with a population just under 1,000, is an example of a club set up by people who love the game

This week I am in southwest France, visiting friends who spend their summer in the valley of the Lot River. It flows westwards in a tortuous fashion for 485 km, joining the Garonne, which then flows northwest to the city of Bordeaux and on to the Atlantic Ocean.

It is my first visit to this region, which is famous for wine production. I am aware that cricket is played in France, having taken a team to play near Versailles for a number of years around the turn of the 21st century.

On this basis, it seemed a reasonable assumption that cricket would be played in the southwest. A little research revealed the existence of an Association des Clubs de Cricket du Sud-Ouest, founded in 1992. It comprises 10 clubs: Bordeaux-Giscours, Catus, Damazan, Eymet, Saint Aulaye, Eyliac, two Toulouse clubs and, in 2024, Nimes and Montpellier rejoined. This means the ACCSO covers a large area, with attendant transport costs.

On a very well-organized website, committee members’ contact details are displayed. My introductory email was answered by the secretary, Hugues “Hui” Scheers, who informed me his club, Catus CC, would host a cup semifinal on Aug. 25. Catus was only a half-hour drive away from my base, and my traveling companions and hosts decided to join the adventure.

Catus is a small village with a population just short of 1,000. The cricket club was formed in 2004 and received a boost in 2007 when the mayor granted the use of an area of flat land near Lac Vert, along with financial support for a synthetic pitch.

On arrival, a picturesque scene unfolded. The ground is part of a sports and leisure complex, backed by a hill topped with imposing oak and chestnut trees. At the other end is a small river, which posed a problem because the ball was often hit into it until a local rule was introduced that stipulates bowling can only take place from the hill end.

Catus was facing Toulouse CC Wolves. Both teams contain many South Asian players, mainly Indians in the case of Toulouse. Catus has a more varied composition. Amongst its ranks are Afghanistan refugees, who were very welcoming and keen to talk cricket, about which they are passionate. This was evidenced by the fact they travelled over 3.5 hours from their base, close to the Spanish border.

The name of another team member, Sri Lankan Amal Saminda Silva, will be familiar to cricketing aficionados as his older namesake represented his country. This Amal Silva, who has French citizenship by virtue of marriage, is also an accomplished and elegant player, scoring 102 out of his team’s 302. This total is a record in the competition and the highest scored at Catus cricket club.

Two Afghans, Badshah Khan and Jamal Ziauddin scored 62 and 46, respectively. There was much raw talent on display. The top order of the Toulouse Wolves team made a spirited start in their pursuit of a formidable target but could not keep up the momentum, being dismissed for 159 in 27.2 overs.

The victory puts Catus CC in the final of the Blevins Franks Cup, so named after a sponsoring company which specializes in financial services for people moving to — and living in — France. Catus has also reached the final of the BF League.

This follows a stellar season in 2023 when they reached the finals of both cup competitions and topped the league. The cup competitions are in T20 and 35 overs format, the former being introduced in 2022. The Ligue is 40 overs but may be reduced to accommodate travel time.

As ever in club cricket, a handful of people manage clubs and leagues. At Catus, Scheers told me that he was mowing the outfield at 8 a.m. before setting up electrical connections to computers and the mounted camera which streams the match. Club funds are tight and there is a reliance on donations at both club and ACCSO levels.

As if match day preparations and management were not enough, cricket clubs in France were landed with a new situation in 2023. Association France Cricket, the governing body, was accused of simulating women’s matches to obtain financial aid from the International Cricket Council. It was also accused by players, clubs and recent FC members of lacking transparency about how those funds were used.

The scandal has led to the disbandment of the women’s national team — unfortunate timing given that cricket is to become an Olympic sport in 2028. This means the sport will receive “high level” status in France and the national governing body becomes eligible to apply for more public funding.

The scandal has also led to ACCSO members deciding not to affiliate with FC in 2024. In turn, this means competitions organized by ACCSO are open solely to clubs which have either affiliated to an “association sportive omnisports” or taken out insurance cover mandated by the French Code du Sport with a commercial insurer.

ACCSO members report that the on-going situation with FC is “fluid”. It must be galling for local clubs with limited funds to learn of the financial irregularities and phantom matches generated by their national governing body.

Amid the welter of franchise cricket now in existence and the riches which it has created for players, team owners, advertisers and other stakeholders, it is easy to forget that grass roots cricket is played and organized by people who love the game. They do not do it for money and they can be found in unexpected places. One such place is Catus, where a cricketing home has been provided for people whose life’s journey has, at times, been bleak.


France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup

France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup
Updated 5 sec ago
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France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup

France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup
  • Les Bleus and Iran played an indolent first half before Iran easily prevailed after France conceded a soft opening goal in the second half, triggering angry reactions from other teams.

PARIS: France brushed off allegations of match-fixing after their 4-1 defeat against Iran sent them into the softest part of the draw at the Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan.
Les Bleus and Iran played an indolent first half before Iran easily prevailed after France conceded a soft opening goal in the second half, triggering angry reactions from other teams.
“Iran and France, coaches and players alike, have disgraced my sport. You are a disgrace to the world,” Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo wrote on X.
Retired Brazil great Falcao was quoted by French media as saying: “It shows a lack of respect for the World Cup. The match was clearly fixed from the first minute.”
Both France and Iran were already qualified for the last 16 but the result meant that world number 10 France, second in Group F, will take on Thailand, ranked ninth before a potential quarter-final against 13th-ranked Paraguay.
Iran, the world number four, will be up against sixth-ranked Morocco ahead of a possible last-eight clash against world number one Brazil.
“It was Iran’s responsibility to be in charge of the game. The draw is more open for us but our main goal was not to get booked and to avoid injuries,” France coach Raphael Reynaud said.
The French football federation and world governing body FIFA were not immediately available for comment.


Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’

Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’
Updated 25 September 2024
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Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’

Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’
  • Rivals bid to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world  

LONDON: Boxers Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev both said on Wednesday they were fully prepared and ready to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world in their clash in Saudi Arabia next month.

The event on Oct. 12, dubbed the “IV Crown Showdown,” referring to the four belts on the line, will headline the opening ceremony of the 2024 Riyadh Season.

Russian-Canadian Beterbiev, who holds the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council belts, has knocked out all of his 20 opponents.

Russian Bivol, who has an undefeated 23-0 record, has won three fights since his victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2022, and is putting his World Boxing Association title on the line in the fight in Riyadh.

Bivol said at a press conference in London on Wednesday that he was eager to unify all belts, and added: “Oct. 12 will be an unforgettable night for boxing fans. Competing at Kingdom Arena, one of the world’s top venues, is an honor, and I’m grateful to Riyadh Season for this opportunity.”

Beterbiev also praised Riyadh Season’s contributions in taking boxing to new levels, and added: “I’m ready to claim another belt and become the undisputed champion.”

Tickets for the highly anticipated showdown went on sale on Wednesday. Fans can secure tickets for the event via the WeBook platform, organizers said.

The event will boast a seven-match undercard, including Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker taking on Liam Cameron in the light-heavyweight division, and Riyadh Season’s first women’s fight between Australian Skye Nicolson and Britain’s Raven Chapman.

Saudi boxer Mohammed Al-Aqel also features in a bout against Mexico’s Jesus Gonzalez in the welterweight category.


Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur

Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur
Updated 25 September 2024
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Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur

Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur
  • Bentancur was charged by the Football Association earlier this month with an alleged misconduct breach in relation to a media interview on Uruguayan TV
  • Bentancur apologized to Tottenham captain Son, who said his team-mate had “made a mistake“

LONDON: Son Heung-min said Tottenham team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur “almost cried” when he apologized over an alleged racist remark about the South Korean.
Bentancur was charged by the Football Association earlier this month with an alleged misconduct breach in relation to a media interview on Uruguayan TV.
The former Juventus midfielder had been asked in June by the host of the Canal 10 show for a Spurs player’s shirt, to which he replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
Bentancur apologized to Tottenham captain Son, who said his team-mate had “made a mistake.”
But because the wording of the charge refers to an “aggravated breach,” he could reportedly be banned for six to 12 domestic matches.
Son, speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League home tie against Qarabag, said he could not say much at the moment because of the “FA process.”
“But I love Rodrigo, I love him. We’ve a lot of good memories, we started playing together when he joined (in January 2022),” he said.
“He knew. He apologized straight afterwards when we had holiday. I was at home. I didn’t even realize what was going on. He sent me a long message and you could feel it was coming from his heart.
“When we came back for pre-season, he felt really sorry and he almost cried when he apologized publicly and personally as well. He felt like he was really sorry. We are all human and all make mistakes and we learn from it.”
Son is one of only two players, along with Ben Davies, left at Tottenham from the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2019.
Defeat in Madrid to Liverpool extended the club’s trophy drought and it now stands at 16 years, but the South Korean forward is determined to end the wait for silverware this season.
“Yeah, it’s a dream. There is no hiding this. That’s what we work for,” Son said.
“Obviously, we are looking for another big competition that everybody wants to win. It’s going to be tough, a tough competition, a lot of games and a lot of traveling, which makes it even harder.”


Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach

Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach
Updated 25 September 2024
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Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach

Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach
  • Media reports suggested Shakib Al Hasan played first Test with finger injury
  • Shakib faces alleged murder case at home after Bangladesh plunged into political crisis

KANPUR, India: Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has no injury concerns and remains in line to play the second Test against India, coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said on Wednesday.

Media reports suggested Shakib played the first of two Tests with a finger injury when India handed Bangladesh a 280-run thrashing in Chennai.

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Hathurusinghe said “there was no doubt” over Shakib’s participation in the second Test, which begins on Friday.

“At the moment I have not heard anything about any sort of injury — neither from the physio nor from anyone else,” Hathurusinghe told reporters in Kanpur, where the Test will be played.

“And he is eligible for selection. If there are any changes (in the team) then it’s depending on the surface.”

The heat has been on Shakib, a 37-year-old former lawmaker who faces a case of alleged murder back home after Bangladesh was plunged into political crisis by student-led protests that led to the ouster of autocratic former leader Sheikh Hasina.

The left-hander, who bats in the middle-order and bowls spin, played a key role in his team’s historic Test series sweep in Pakistan.

He then went back to England to play county cricket for Surrey instead of returning home ahead of the India tour.

Shakib made 32 and 25 with the bat in the first Test but went wicketless with the ball.

“I’m not upset about his performance, but our overall performance. I am sure he also thinks he can perform better. We all know what he is capable of,” Hathurusinghe said.

“I think he batted really well in the second innings. He couldn’t go on, not because of lack of pride but for the sheer quality of the opposition.”

Bangladesh were bowled out for 149 and then 234 to lose the match inside four days.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, will be looking to extend their advantage at the top of the World Test Championship rankings after their emphatic first Test performance.

They will host New Zealand for three Tests starting next month before their high-profile tour of Australia, where they will play five matches.

But Rookie Akash Deep — a new addition to India’s fast bowling riches of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj — said he was focused on the task at hand.

“As a player, you need to understand yourself and know your strengths,” said Deep, who took two wickets in the previous match, which was just his second Test.

“What can we add to the bowling? Just simple stuff and no added pressure about going to Australia and all that.”

“It is a huge responsibility to deliver the goods like the bowlers who have contributed for India before you,” he said.

The pitch at Kanpur’s Green Park stadium is expected to be slow and low, with spin expected to play a part by day three.

Irrespective of the surface, Deep said his job would be to “keep the ball in good areas and get wickets.”


Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal

Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal
Updated 25 September 2024
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Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal

Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal

RIYADH: Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to play for Al-Hilal, the club’s head coach has announced.
The Brazilian star signed for the Riyadh team in August 2023 but played just five games when he underwent surgery after rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while on international duty in October.
After Neymar, 32, returned to training in July, speculation grew that he was close to a return but coach Jorge Jesus dampened expectations in a post-match media conference.
“Neymar is an important player for Al-Hilal and the league in general,” Jesus, who led Al-Hilal to a 19th league title in May, said on Tuesday. “I can’t, however, specify a date as to when he will return but we will look at the situation in January.”
Neymar will be able to be registered by Al-Hilal in January for the second half of the Saudi Pro League (SPL ) season.
With SPL teams allowed to register a maximum of eight foreign players over the age of 21, Neymar’s place in the roster for the first half of the league campaign was taken by Marcos Leonardo, signed from Benfica earlier in September.
Upon return to fitness Neymar, whose two-year contract ends next August, is eligible, however, to appear in Al-Hilal’s ongoing AFC Champions League Elite campaign as the continental competition has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed.