Edgbaston to host religious cricket series

Organisers at Edgbaston Cricket Ground are attempting create an environment of religious tolerance and unity by hosting a triangular competition of teams representing three faiths.

The Unity Through Cricket tournament will be staged at the Birmingham-based ground – home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC) – between 15 and 19 September 2016.

A visiting Catholic team from the Vatican City (St Peter’s XI) will face off against the Archbishop of Canterbury’s XI (Anglican) and the predominantly-Muslim Mount Cricket Club from Batley, West Yorkshire.

Before the tournament starts, the teams will take part in a series of community events at Saltley Academy in Birmingham.

Warwickshire CCC chief executive Neil Snowball said cricket was “fantastic for bringing together groups and crossing the boundaries of age, race, gender, and faith”.

“We’re working hard to provide even more opportunities for the local community to learn about the game and for recreational cricketers to play here at Edgbaston,” he added. “Unity Through Cricket is one of several recreational cricket days that we are hosting this summer, with more than 100 players getting the opportunity to experience playing at one of the world’s leading international venues.”

Entry to tournament for the public will be free of charge.