Lithuania national cricket team
ICC status | Non-member |
---|---|
ICC region | North Eastern Europe |
Captain | Gintaras Radzivanas |
First international | |
16 August 2008, vs Latvia | |
As of 1 August 2007 |
The Lithuania national cricket team is a fledgling team which represents the nation of Lithuania in international cricket competitions. They are not officially endorsed by the International Cricket Council and are therefore not entitled to participate in official ICC events. However, they do have an application to the European Cricket Council pending, which should see them granted affiliate status in the near future.
Cricket began in Lithuania in 1998 when the British Embassy in Vilnius decided to host a game. The Lithuanian Cricket Federation (LTKF) was formed in 2001 and now organizes a regular club competition. The LTKF is working with the European Cricket Council to encourage more Lithuanians to participate in the sport.
Three teams competed in the 2009 league season.
On 9 May 2010 Lithuania recorded its first international win. The game was played in Tukums, Latvia.
2011 Baltic Series finalists in the Latvian leg, Lithuania romped to victory against Estonia in the heats before losing the final to Latvia with two balls of the match remaining.
Vilnius Cricket Club
Vilnius Cricket Club was the first cricket club in Lithuania. The club was founded in 2007 by Darius Miksys with the aim of bringing cricket into Lithuanian schools, while attracting members from many different countries living in Lithuania. The club benefits from close ties with the British Embassy, the British Chamber of Commerce Lithuania, and support from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Vilnius CC played host to a number of touring teams throughout 2008, and by 2009 it is hoped to have established an inter Vilnius league competition. This will be the first of its kind held in Lithuania.
Kaunas Cricket
Kaunas's first cricket club was formed in 2009. Kaunas Medicals are captained by Maroof Shah. In their debut season they won all competitions including the Lithuanian League and 20/20 cups.