You cannot help but admire the timing, the fact that the Dubai-based International Cricket Council has awarded a prize to the Israel Cricket Association, recognizing Israeli efforts to bring Jews and Bedouins together in the Negev.
Stanley Perlman, the Israeli chairman stands behind the interracial effort, and he explains that in Dubai, Cricket ranks high among sport fans, maintaining a prominent place in the lives of local residents.
The international association’s director, Naor Gudker, who is also an international umpire, is quoted by Ynet Sports as explaining the next move is to bring cricket to the Israeli Arabs in northern Israel, admitting that Muslims play a major role as managers, players and coaches in the international cricket scene.
According to Gudker, there are 21 teams and school leagues in Israel, but adds Israel however remains unwilling to build a cricket stadium towards upgrading cricket to meet the international level.
In a related matter, it does appear that the recent ban against Israelis entering Dubai announced by Dubai Police Chief Dahi Khalfan Tamim does include athletes participating in sporting events.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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3 Responses
Well, neither the International Cricket Council nor the Dubai Police Chief speak for the people. It’s a case by case basis. I do take to task the term in the article, “interracial” effort. Are Jews playing sports against Bedouins an interracial event?
Great graphic. Now, if Mossad would just come and assassinate the cricket that chirps incessantly in my basement every summer, that would truly be an international effort.
Venahafoch hu!