Slovakia: Slovak Cricket Club is formed
Cricket's push into Eastern Europe continues
16-May-2000
Cricket's push into Eastern Europe continues. 'Beyond The Test World' asked the club's founder, Vladimir Chuadacik, a few questions about how Slovakia's first club became a reality:
How did you become interested in cricket?
Occasionally I had been playing for Frampton Cricket Club during my staying in the U.K. in 1997 and also on their tour to Mallorca in 1999.
Occasionally I had been playing for Frampton Cricket Club during my staying in the U.K. in 1997 and also on their tour to Mallorca in 1999.
I understand you are looking to establish a club. In which city are you based?
At the beginning it is only a village club Hajske near Nitra, but I am trying to establish one at University in Trnava together with one Pakistani lad.
At the beginning it is only a village club Hajske near Nitra, but I am trying to establish one at University in Trnava together with one Pakistani lad.
What is the name of the club and how did you go about establishing it?
We are not registered yet so we are simply Slovak Cricket Club. I try to find people which are interested in [cricket]. But you know how it is in these Central European countries, people do not even know this sport..
We are not registered yet so we are simply Slovak Cricket Club. I try to find people which are interested in [cricket]. But you know how it is in these Central European countries, people do not even know this sport..
What nationalities are its members?
All members are Slovak young lads. Only one is from Pakistan.
All members are Slovak young lads. Only one is from Pakistan.
Have you arranged any fixtures at this stage?
Not yet, because we are really beginners and we are not well organized yet.
Not yet, because we are really beginners and we are not well organized yet.
Apparently you were experiencing problems finding a suitable ground. What are the handicaps you are facing?
We just starting and we are allowed to play at football ground. Of course we would like to have our own ground, but first of all we need some background.
We just starting and we are allowed to play at football ground. Of course we would like to have our own ground, but first of all we need some background.
Apart from finding a ground, what are the short term plans?
First of all to have stable players, because only then we can arrange some fixtures. But most of all I would like to put an emphasis on children and start to find their relation to this nice sport. I think that future of cricket in Slovakia is in youth, because there is not any generation of senior players in Slovakia.
First of all to have stable players, because only then we can arrange some fixtures. But most of all I would like to put an emphasis on children and start to find their relation to this nice sport. I think that future of cricket in Slovakia is in youth, because there is not any generation of senior players in Slovakia.
What has been the initial reaction of Slovaks when you have introduced the game to them?
They have found it interesting and relaxing, but for some it was boring. I think it was on account of their playing skills. If they played a nice shot or took a wicket they enjoyed game very much. Therefore I think if they know what it is about they will go for it.
They have found it interesting and relaxing, but for some it was boring. I think it was on account of their playing skills. If they played a nice shot or took a wicket they enjoyed game very much. Therefore I think if they know what it is about they will go for it.
Do you think there are any cultural problems which may deter Slovaks from taking up the game?
Different life style, history and impossibility to see any cricket match blocks their interest in this sport. We miss opportunity to see great players and teams. But definitely there is a chance for cricket to find a way to Slovak hearts.
Different life style, history and impossibility to see any cricket match blocks their interest in this sport. We miss opportunity to see great players and teams. But definitely there is a chance for cricket to find a way to Slovak hearts.
Has access to equipment been an issue?
Of course, this is a problem. To be honest, we have just one bat some balls and that is all. Everything we got, I brought from U.K. No gloves, no protection pads etc. There is not any possibility to buy even a ball in Slovakia and that is pity. But we do our best and play this game. But what we need first of all is an encouragement that somebody keeps their fingers crossed for our effort. We do not want to be famous, we just want to teach people how they can enjoy their time spent by playing cricket.
Of course, this is a problem. To be honest, we have just one bat some balls and that is all. Everything we got, I brought from U.K. No gloves, no protection pads etc. There is not any possibility to buy even a ball in Slovakia and that is pity. But we do our best and play this game. But what we need first of all is an encouragement that somebody keeps their fingers crossed for our effort. We do not want to be famous, we just want to teach people how they can enjoy their time spent by playing cricket.