Italy stunned the cricket world last month when they qualified for the upcoming T20 World Cup through the European Qualifiers. This marked a significant milestone in the Italian team’s journey. Despite losing their last game against the Netherlands, Italy still managed to qualify.
Jersey’s surprise win over Scotland proved to be a turning point, opening up the possibilities for other teams to get a spot in the World Cup. Both Jersey and Italy were equal with five points each. Italy qualified due to a higher run rate compared to their opponents.
In order to qualify, Italy needed to avoid defeat by a heavy margin. Italy had to ensure Netherlands’ chase extended beyond fifteen overs to preserve their net run rate. They succeeded as the chase went to the 16th over.
With this historic milestone being achieved, let’s rewind and look back at the history of the Gentelemen’s game in the country of Italy.
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Early History Of Cricket In Italy
The earliest history of cricket can be traced back to 1793 when cricket was played by Admiral Nelson’s sailors during a stop at Naples harbour. During 19 century, several associations and clubs were formed which focused on both Cricket and Football.
During this era, world-famous AC Milan was formed. It was the Milan Cricket and Football Club and the first Italian football team, Genoa Cricket and Football Club, which was originally the Genoa Cricket & Athletic Club.
These clubs ignored cricket and pivoted to Football later on. Before the Second World War, cricket’s popularity declined in Italy.
Revival of Cricket Post Second World War
The efforts to revive cricket were made after the Second World War. A tournament named the Rome Ashes was started, in which teams from the Australian and British embassies, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Commonwealth War Graves Association, the Venerable English College, and Beda College competed. This tournament ended in 1970.
Establishment of the Italian Cricket Foundation
The “Federazione Cricket Italiana” (Italian Cricket Federation) was formed in 1980, and they became an affiliate member of the ICC in 1984, and were promoted to an associate member in 1995.
The first ever recorded match was played in 1984 when the Italian team visited the UK and played against local clubs. The tour yielded mixed results. They lost against Enfield Cricket Club, but ended the tour on a high note as they won against North Middlesex.
Italian Team International Campaign
Italy played their first ever International match against Denmark in 1989, which ended without a result. After that, Italy took part in several European championships. In 1999, they participated in a quadrangular tournament in Gibraltar, also featuring France and Israel. They won the tournament, beating the hosts in the final.
Getting T20 Status and World Cup Qualification
In April 2018, Italy got the Twenty20 International status. All matches played between Italy and ICC members after January 1, 2019, were given International Status.
Italy’s 12-run victory over Scotland helped them secure a spot in the World Cup.
What’s Next for Italy?
After Italy’s qualification, when the Captain was asked about their World Cup plan, he replied that they will be aiming to win every match. This will have a huge impact on Italy’s cricket culture. ICC has been criticized for the limited number of teams in The T20 format is the format where new teams have opportunities to qualify and participate in major tournaments.
In 2003, Kenya not only qualified but also played a semi-final of the World Cup. Scotland, which Italy defeated, was also part of the last few editions of the cricket T20 Cup, but after that, these teams were unable to qualify, and some even regressed.
How Should ICC Help Associate Nations to Maintain Consistency?
Now we will have to see if Italy can sustain the success or not. It’s also up to the ICC to identify issues and increase the financial share for associate nations so that the game can be expanded to further regions, and more and more countries should be part of the tournaments.
For the teams who qualify for a major tournament, increased efforts should be made to keep consistency. USA, who impressed everyone by defeating Pakistan and earning direct qualification for this year’s tournament, were on the edge of suspension this year.
ICC should put special efforts to ensure that such things do not happen to the teams who have shown potential, and they should be provided with assistance. Italy’s qualification is more than just a feel good moment; it’s proof that with proper backing, cricket can flourish in non-traditional regions.
