Italy made its T20 World Cup debut on Monday, drawing attention not just from fans but also from the Italian Cricket Federation (FCRI), whose top officials and journalists traveled to Kolkata to cover the historic event. Cricket, while largely overshadowed by football, has deep roots in Italy dating back to the late 1800s when AC Milan included the sport in its activities.
Despite the sport’s long history, professional cricket in Italy remains virtually nonexistent. Many players maintain full-time jobs while representing the country internationally. Justin Mosca, a physical education teacher in Sydney, and his brother Anthony, a carpentry instructor at a juvenile centre, exemplify the sacrifices made to play at the international level.
Other players balance diverse careers with cricket commitments. Crishan Kalugamage works as a pizza-maker after moving from Sri Lanka to Italy as a teenager, Zain Ali is a mechanical engineer, and Jaspreet Singh, born in Punjab, drove Uber in the UK while training in Birmingham. Many also participate in domestic leagues abroad in England, Australia, and South Africa to hone their skills.
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The Italian National Olympic Committee has recently supported cricket through its Olympic inclusion, signaling potential growth. Justin Mosca noted, however, that Italy Cricket is still in its early stages, needing stronger infrastructure, more staff, and structured pathways before players can earn a professional living from the sport.
The journey highlights the challenges of nurturing cricket in a football-centric nation. While Italy’s team has shown passion and resilience, their story underscores how dedication, day-job juggling, and international exposure are vital to elevating cricket in a country where it is still a niche pursuit.
This World Cup debut could mark a turning point, potentially inspiring investment, grassroots development, and broader public interest in a sport that Italy has long overlooked.
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