Six players from Basel Dragons joined 13 from Zurich Crickets for a friendly match at ZIS Adliswil on 24th March.

Sasha (ZCCC) and Connor (BDJCC) were selected as captains, and the players split between them for a T20 pairs match, with each pair batting 4 overs and -5 runs for a wicket. Connor’s team batted first and got going quickly with the run rate over 10 an over and finishing with 152 runs. Highlights were Danyal’s 25* and George’s 24.

Sasha’s team got off to a good start as well, and looked up with the rate. The turning point was an U9 partnership between Fynn (14*) and Dhruv (12) (both ZCCC) that meant that Sasha’s team was ahead with the final pair to come. Needing wickets, Connor’s team only managed one (Alexander chipping the ball off Connnor to George). Extras took the total to 179 with Sasha and Sai (BDJCC) both top scoring on 20*.

The freedom of a friendly saw big hitting, and only two wickets falling to the bowlers in the 40 overs. Thanks to Basel for making the trip, we look forward to resuming the competition outdoors!

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Basel Under 13 Indoor Tournament won by Swiss U11s! (10th/11th March)

Seven teams competed for the trophy in a series of matches over the weekend. The Under 13 teams were: Basel Dragons CC, Cossonay CC, Zurich Crickets CC, La Chat, and Luxembourg. They were joined by the Swiss Under 11s and Zurich Sapphires, a women's club.

As a warm up for the forthcoming tour to the UK, the Swiss U11 squad entered a team into the Basel U13 tournament and turned out winners! Among the winning team there were four ZCCC players.

Under 13 tournament report

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Zurich Crickets win Basel Under 11 Indoor Tournament! (3rd/4th March)

With a proper winter in full swing, icy conditions welcomed teams to Bäumlihof in Basel for the Basel U11 Indoor tournament. The format was a 15-over, 8-a-side round robin with teams from Basel Dragons, Cossonay, Gingins, Luxembourg and Zurich Crickets present.

Zurich went one better than their last tournament managing to retain the trophy even when facing some excellent competition from Basel. In addition, Best Bowler was awarded to Andreas Hall, and Best Batter to Sasha Hall. Congratulations to all the players!

Full ZCCC report                       Basel Indoor Tournament report

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Cricket Player Came 6000 Kilometers on Foot

The refugee Nawroz Jabarkheel plays in the Swiss U19 cricket team. One of the trainers comes from Weisslingen. The team has a big dream. By Christian Felix  (9th February)

At the age of fifteen, Nawroz Jabarkheel came to Switzerland as a refugee. “For two years I had been looking for a cricket team here, but in vain," says the 18-year-old Afghan. At that time, he was already living in the cooperative Lindenbaum in Pfäffikon, a place of residence and job training for young people. It was only by chance that his supervisor realized that Nawroz wanted to play cricket...

The full article in English         The article in German

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Swiss Under 19s in action in Adliswil (27th January)

An 8-a-side two-innings match was played at the ZIS indoor hall in Adliswil.

Team B’s batsmen Ruan K, Oli M and Ismail Z looked in good form, although the large number of extras put them under little threat with the exceptions of Noorkhan A (4-10-0) and Aidan A (3-9-1). The batsmen finished on 122 for 2. In reply, Aidan A looked comfortable until run out, while there were useful contributions from Noorkhan A and Erzatyar Z. Again some bowlers struggled to find their line and the extras mounted. Some tidy bowling by Nawroz J, Ruan K and John M limited the scoring with Team A finishing just 8 runs ahead on 130.

The second innings presented an entirely different picture. Team B put three match-winning partnerships together, with Ruan K (25) and Nawroz J (15) accumulating 43, Nic H and Adil T putting together 37 and Nic (32) and Ismail Z (15) rapidly posting another 48 in the final 5 overs. At 265 for the loss of 4 wickets, Team A needed 135 to win. Disastrously, Team A lost wickets rapidly, unable to build partnerships and three run-outs ruined any chance of chasing down the total. Some fine bowling by Freddie D (4-18-1) led to two of the run-outs, Ismail Z proved too much of a handful (4-22-3), added pressure by Adil T produced another run-out (4-27-1), John M’s off-spin yielded another 4 wickets, while Ruan K’s double wicket maiden put the lid on a poor batting display with the one exception of Surya C (24).

Both teams took some fine catches: Francis L with two behind the stumps, Ezatyar Z and Noorkhan A with one each, Freddie D holding on to 3, Nic H with one behind the wicket and a stumping, and finally Adil T taking 3, one of which was truly outstanding. The fielding was mostly sharp and made for tight running, which led to the four run-outs and a number of close calls and relatively low scoring rates.

We look forward to seeing everyone in action again on February 25^th when we meet in Geneva for another indoor match day.

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Under 17/19 matches at ZIS Adliswill hall (9th December)

A two-innings match was played with a number of fine performances. Three wickets by Brijesh, two for Oli and one each for Dayn and Ruan restricted the A-Team's batsmen to a low-scoring 54. However, in reply, with only Dayn (24) and newcomer Ojas (13) getting into double figures, the bowlers John, Johan, Adil and Anshak did not let the X-Team's batters get past 80 runs.

The second innings saw an excellent partnership of 91 between Adil (39) and Khawar (37), and useful contributions from Noorkhan (14) and Aryan (10) boosted the A-Team's score to 184. A couple of wickets by Oli, and Ojas and Brijesh with one each, helped restrict the run rate from getting beyond all reach. The chase looked promising with Ruan and Oli busy between the wickets, but the loss of three quick wickets to Noorkhan and Adil saw the batters struggling. A more than useful partnership with Brijesh (18) and Ruan (35) restored the momentum, but on 145 with overs to spare Aryan struck twice to remove Ruan and Ojas. The X-Team's batters had fallen 24 short to some outstanding bowling by Adil 2 for 8 off 4, Nookhan 2 for 18 off 4 and Aryan 2 for 5 off 2. 

Well done to all the players for an entertaining, hard-fought, quality day of cricket played in such good spirit.

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ZCCC 1st XI Awards (9th December)

At the ZIS Adliswil indoor hall ZCCC presented season awards to the first XI players. However, first of all Junior Development Officer Michael Hall awarded the prestigious Bob Barber Swiss U15 medal to Dayn Pariaug for his outstanding performance  at this level in 2017.

Noorkhan Ahmadi and Tom Howe were awarded balls signed by England and Hampshire player Liam Dawson as the season's most valuable players. Tom was ranked 4th amongst 280 players for his fielding (6 of our players were among the best 50 fielders) and 24th for his bowling. Noorkhan was amongst the best batsmen, and among the best Most Valuable Players with Tom and Nic  in the T20 senior league. Mention was also made of Khawar, the most improved player of the year and again, Dayn. Both these players have shown great commitment and have dramatically upped their game. The captain, Nic, led his team well in tough circumstances and has grown as a player.

In addition, Oli Millar, Dayn Pariaug and John Millar were awarded Baggy Caps for their contributions over the course of 7-8 years to the club, including their first season in the 1st XI. 

Finally, the Favotto Cup was presented to Oli Millar. He has been a lynchpin in so many ZCCC teams but has also played internationally for the Swiss U11, U13 and U19 teams. At the same time he has been a great support at training sessions, also taking junior sessions himself. He is the only player who uses a bat he made himself and recently scored a fine 50 with it in the outdoor season! 

Congratulations to all of these players!

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Under 19 Match Day in Geneva dominated by ZCCC at the Madame de Stael indoor hall (3rd December)

The first match between La Chat and GRYCC was a closely fought contest with La Chat winning by 9 runs. Rohan Jain played a fine innings against a bowling attack that conceded far too many extras. In reply to 135 runs Ethan Powell, Ishaan Sagar and Nathaniel Gordon did well to come close but La Chat bowled far tighter and Ismail Zaidi ensured that runs were hard to come by in the final overs and limited GRYCC to 126.

In the second match La Chat found themselves too restricted in their batting after two quick wickets by ZCCC's Noorkhan and top batsman Rohan having to retire. They were unable to post a big enough score to defend. In chase of 97 runs Zurich got themselves off to a good start with runs coming from Ruan and Khawar. Nic and Dayn got the team comfortably over the line with 15 balls to spare for the loss of three wickets.

The third match saw ZCCC lose two early wickets but the innings was steadied by Dayn, an unbeaten 30 by Haresh, some solid strokes by Francis, and an solid partnership in the final 5 overs that took the score to 143 and way beyond the reach of GRCCC who had been unable to put enough pressure on the batsmen. The chase was always going to be tough, but a hatrick by Dayn completely dissolved any opposition. Another two quick wickets by Dayn in his next over decided the match with GRYCC all out for 60 runs. Dayn's 5 for 9 off 3 overs was as good as it gets!

See scorecards: GRYCC vs La Chat     ZCCC vs La Chat    ZCCC vs GRYCC   

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Cricket Switzerland becomes a member of Swiss Olympic

At the 21st meeting of the Sport Parliament Cricket Switzerland's application to become a member of Swiss Olympic was accepted. Membership begins 1st January 2018.

Alexander Mackay, President of Cricket Switzerland, reported that “We were notified of the decision by text on Friday evening by Cornel Hollenstein, vice-President Swiss Olympic. This is a very exciting development. The Cricket Switzerland Executive and its members have worked very hard to develop cricket in such a way that it met the stringent membership criteria of Swiss Olympic and in turn become a serious and well run organisation with the interests of cricket at heart. I thank Swiss Olympic for their support and the Sport Parliament for allowing us to become a member of the family of sports in Switzerland, in turn recognising cricket as a Swiss sport. We are confident that Swiss Olympic membership will assist us to make cricket a stronger sport in Switzerland, opening new doors for financial support to improve facilities nationwide for the benefit of the sport and for Switzerland.”  

Full report  _______________________________________________________________________

Gingins Under 11 Tournament Report

The Gingins U11 indoor tournament on 11th and 12th November was held at the College Madame de Stael in Geneva. Teams from Cossonay, Luxembourg, Gingins, Zurich and a combined Basel/La Chat side competed for the 2017 trophy.

A powerhouse ZCCC team were looking to retain the cup and continue their unbeaten run stretching back 17 months!

Full report

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A huge success - Zurich Crickets members complete sponsored run in wet, cold and windy conditions

A group of Zurich Crickets worked hard to find sponsors before the scheduled ‘Kyburglauf’ on 11th November. They were joined by Lindenbaum friends who helped out because one of ZCCC players was unable to run due to an injury.

The aim of the runners was to raise funds for the Swiss Under 19 tour to Barbados for the Gary Sobers International Under 19 Cricket Tournament in July 2018 so that all the players selected can participate.

The Kyburg Run is a distance of 10.5 km. Runners have to manage the challenge of an altitude difference of 217 m, which includes a 1.3 km climb of 450 steps in the last part of the run up to the castle of Kyburg and the finishing line. All the runners finished the distance in excellent times.

The group of runners exceeded all expectations and have raised over 7000 CHF.

Many thanks and congratulations to all the runners, and many thanks to all the family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow cricketers who sponsored and supported us so generously!

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Two Zurich Crickets players win Bob Barber Awards!

The winners of the 2017 Bob Barber Awards were announced on Sunday 29th October by Cricket Switzerland's junior development officer, Michael Hall.

Owen Thompson (U11), Max Hoegenauer (U13), Hemant Ganesh & Dayn Pariaug (U15) and Aiden Andrews (U19) are the recipients of this year's prestigious Swiss award by ex-England test player Bob Barber, recognising & encouraging the special talent amongst the younger members of the Swiss cricketing community.

The medals are expected to be presented by Bob Barber himself at the Gingins U13s indoor tournament on Saturday 18th November.
Congratulations to all these young players for a terrific season, and in particular our Owen Thompson and Dayn Pariaug.

Information about the Bob Barber Awards

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Switzerland U19s have accepted an invitation to participate in the 2018 Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament (7th - 24th July 2018) in Barbados.

As a result, the Swiss will start to put as strong a squad together as possible. A number of last year’s Under 19 XI are still eligible to play but the squad will include some very promising talents that have recently graduated from the younger Swiss national teams. The squad will no doubt include a number of Zurich Crickets players.                                     See full report

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Romande Cup U11 Report (30 September 2017)

The first club competition of the season is the Romande Cup. The U11 event was again hosted by Cossonay. Cossonay, Gingins and Zurich Crickets played a round robin 20-over competition for the cup.

Zurich were declared winners of the trophy, with Cossonay second and Gingins third. Continuing their excellent form, it was a strong team

performance with everyone contributing.                  Full report

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U19 International ODI and T20 tournaments in Berlin, 27th - 31st July 2017

The Swiss U19s team, coached by Simon Drake, competed in an U19 cricket festival in Berlin from 27th - 31st July 2017, finishing 3rd in both the T20 and ODI competitions.

Organised by the DCB there were 5 days of T20 & ODI cricket involving U19 teams from hosts Germany, Switzerland, Belgium & Norway on the Maifeld cricket grounds (Olympia-Glockenturm, Am Glockenturm 1, 14053 Berlin, Germany).

See full report

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Swiss U15 win Colour Clothing Tournament (14-18 August 2017)

The tournament that took place in Leicester was a great experience for all the Swiss cricketers to test themselves against strong opposition and continue to develop their individual cricketing skills and teamwork. The three ZCCC players, Dayn, Luke and Aryan, did particularly well against the other three teams: ICC Power from ICC Dubai, CCA Rhinos a mixed team from Pune and local players, and CCA Sixers also a mixed team from Mumbai and local players.

Congratulations on winning all their nine matches!

Full report by Steve West

Leman Cup U11 2017 Report (3 September 2017)

Schweiz 137-7 (Sasha 20*, Danyal 15*; Will 2-14, Katie 1-13) bt Suisse 67-8 (Aiden 8*; Sasha 3-1, Andreas 2-4, George 2-8) by 70 runs

Blue skies greeted visitors to Cossonay for the 2017 installment Leman Cup. This fixture traditionally opens the new season and pits a “Schweiz” side made up from clubs from the East of Switzerland (Basel Dragons, Zurich Crickets) against a “Suisse” side from the West (Cossonay, GRYCC, Gingins, La Chat). It is a great opportunities for players to put aside their local club rivalries.

Full Report

Swiss Under 11s tour to England (May 25-29)

The Ascension long weekend again saw a squad of U11 players from Switzerland successfully tour clubs around Surrey at Weybridge, Camberley, Ashtead, Cranleigh &  Windsor winning three of their six fixtures.

Full report

Zurich Crickets CC continued their unbeaten run this season to win the Basel U11 tournament.

Zurich Crickets U11s built on their success in the Gingins indoor competition to deliver a comprehensive

performance against Luxembourg, Basel Dragons, Cossonay and a Wanderers All Stars team. Their victories against all the competing teams ensured that they lifted the trophy.

Danyal was awarded the fielder award and Andreas the spirit of cricket award.

Congratulations to all the players! 

Full report

Zurich Crickets CC explore unknown territory in the Pickwick Cup (29th April)

Saturday 29th April 2017 saw ZCCC for the first time play a 1st XI in the senior Swiss T20 Cup - a first for any junior club in Switzerland.

Zurich Lions CC posted a formidable 218 with the Crickets unable to deliver in their bowling, missing the off stump discipline we know it takes to keep the score down. Some good catches (Tom H) and a couple of run outs produced 6 wickets (Oli M - 3, Moaz B - 1), but we did drop 3. Moaz B was the glue in the batting, scoring 28, with a good partnership with Oli M (21), then Oli and Dayn P built a partnership, but our total of 103 for 8 was nowhere near our target of 219! It was a valuable experience for this very young XI, and clearly if we play to our potential we would be able to fight for wins.

Another successful Zurich Crickets and Hampshire cricket camp (14-17 April)

Hosted by ZCCC over the four Easter days another incredibly rewarding long weekend in Zurich saw three Hampshire coaches, assisted by Zurich coaches, get together with roughly 40 players. Eight Under 19 national players from the Geneva area also joined the group.

As John Cook said: It was good fun and we began to sow a seed to get the players to understand more about their game, consider others within the team and where they fit into it and how they complement each other to win moments in the game, gather momentum, analyse their performances.

The players worked exceptionally hard, showed enthusiasm throughout and demonstrated what keen learners they are. Thanks to so many club members who pulled together to enable this camp to work, who also provided food, shelter and transport.              Photos

Match day at Adliswil/Zurich for Swiss Under 19 players (28th January)

An excellent day with the Swiss U19s was had yesterday at the Adliswil ZIS indoor sports hall. In three T20 matches three teams of 9 players played each other in hard-fought matches. The standard was high and raised by having a few overage players involved.

Match 1 scorecard   Match 2 scorecard   Match 3 scorecard

This format will be repeated when the players meet for the next round of matches in early March. The venue then will be the large indoor Rennweg sports hall in Winterthur.

It looks like Switzerland has a possible squad of about 22 players so there is going to be good competition for places. The coaches hope to be able to nominate the team in mid-April. The Swiss Under 19 XI will tour in August to Germany's Berlin’s Olympic Stadium to take part in a 4-nation Festival.

The 2016 Bob Barber Awards (19th November)

Cricket Switzerland's Youth Development Officer, Michael Hall, has announced the winners of this year’s Bob Barber Awards. These annual awards are presented to the best cricketers in each age group.

The winners of the Bob Barber Awards in 2016 are:

U11 - Kabir Mehta
U13 - Ismail Zaidi
U15 - Luke Specogna (Zurich Crickets CC)
U17 - Ruan Kruger (Zurich Crickets CC)
U19 - Ashwin Vinod
Many congratulations to them all for their contributions to junior cricket this year, in particular to Ruan and Luke, two most deserving winners from Zurich Crickets CC who both had outstanding seasons.

The presentation of the Awards is on Saturday 19th November  at the Collège Madame De Staël.

Under 11/13 camp with Hampshire coaches in Zurich (7th-9th October)

The Zurich Crickets Junior cricket camp with Hampshire's Chris Wheeler and Simon Hammond was a huge success with 27 enthusiastic young players from across the country benefitting from the experience. The three-day camp saw a strong group from ZCCC as well as guests from Cossonay, Gingins, Basel and GRYCC attend.

Congratulations to all the players for their hard work and commitment. Many thanks to M.H. for the organisation, coordination, and report.

Read the full report.              Please also enjoy in the Gallery the photos that were taken.

Zurich Crickets fight hard to take home the Under 11 Suisse Romande Cup (2nd October)

Teams from Basel Dragons, Cossonay, Gingins and Zurich Crickets met at Cossonay for a last day of outdoor cricket in 2016.

Full report