The Limburg town of Genk is getting its first fully-fledged cricket ground where official matches can be played. The city is responding to the sport’s growing popularity and specific requests from local players. The new ground is located on former football pitches.
Cricket in Genk: ‘World's most popular sport after football gets first pitch’
Colin Clapson
Published:
The call for a dedicated ground came from a group of enthusiastic local cricketers who are members of Genk Cricket Club. Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 11 players each. Flemish enthusiasts say it can be likened to a cross between baseball and rounders. As cricket requires an exceptionally large playing field, it was not easy to find a suitable location.
The chosen location used to be home to football pitches, which are now only used sporadically. By converting the site into a cricket pitch, the space will be given a new lease of sporting life. Moreover, the infrastructure will be shared with the existing Muay Thai club, ensuring the site is used more efficiently.
‘Cricket is a new sport in Genk and is a great addition to the existing range of sports on offer,’ says Kathleen Parthoens, city cabinet member responsible for sport. ‘We believe it is important that everyone in Genk has the opportunity to practise their chosen sport. By making smart use of existing infrastructure, we can give new sports the chance to grow.’
Genk Cricket Club are champions
The new ground will mainly be used by the Genk Cricket Club, which was founded in 2013 and recently won the Belgian cricket league division 2 title. The Genk team will therefore compete in the top flight next season.
Chair and founder Hadi Mirzad is delighted with the new facilities his club will now be able to use: ‘Because it’s not easy to find a suitable cricket pitch,’ says Mirzad. ‘You need a lot of space for a cricket pitch. This area was perfect for it.’
Batting cage is essential
In addition to the construction of a cricket pitch, Genk Cricket Club can now also practise in a three-pitch batting cage. 'It’s ideal for practising at different speeds and preparing players for competition,' Mirzad explains. The ground has also been fitted with new dugouts and a container for storing training equipment.
The timing of the pitch’s construction is no coincidence. Cricket has been on a real upswing in Flanders in recent years. The sport also received a significant boost when in 2023 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to reintroduce cricket to the programme of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, following a decades-long absence. Thanks to the new ground, Genk is now fully prepared for this renewed attention.
'Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world after football,' concludes Mirzad. 'We will continue to promote our sport. Our club currently has 60 members, but we hope to register even more teams in the future. You simply have to try it yourself to understand how much fun the sport is.'