Activist hopes Galway City Council will be bowled over by cricket ground proposal
A local political activist believes Galway could host international cricket teams if it invested in cricket facilities in the city.
Asraf Chowdhury, an Irish citizen originally from Bangladesh, urged Galway City Council to explore the possibility of building indoor and outdoor cricket facilities in the city.
Mr Chowdhury, secretary of the Knocknacarra branch of Fine Gael, said there was demand for such facilities locally.
And proper cricket facilities could attract big teams such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to play test matches outside of Dublin.
It would be good for young migrants living in the local community from cricket-mad countries, and would be a boost for the economy, he said.
“Ireland does not play many games at World Cup level, but cricket is one of those games,” said Mr Chowdhury.
“There are only cricket stadiums and grounds (capable of hosting internationals) in Dublin. So, my plan is to have a facility in Galway City. I would like the Council to have a cricket ground, with indoor and outdoor facilities, where you could host international cricket matches with World Cup teams,” he added.
Every year, the big teams visit Dublin for matches but Mr Chowdhury said that they would come to Galway if the facilities were provided.
Mr Chowdhury said he is familiar with County Galway Cricket Club which operates in Carnmore but he insisted there was a demand for a cricket facility in the city, too, particularly indoor facilities.
According to the history of the Galway Cricket Club, the sport was played in Galway since the early 19th century, including in Eyre Square in 1838.
Mr Chowdhury said there was a large Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi community living in Galway.
Every year, busloads of them travel to Dublin to watch touring international cricket teams play.
“There are lots of young people growing up in Galway interested in cricket, it would be popular, it’s a growing sport, especially with the Irish cricket team which is doing very well right now. If we had a facility, we could bring international teams here and the Council would earn money,” he said.