Polish plea for Twenty20 event

The organisers of an international Twenty20 tournament are searching for players to represent Poland at the event, which takes place next month.

Flintshire village side Carmel and District CC, who play in the North Wales Cricket League, are set to take part in and host the tournament at their ground from July 13-20.

The national teams of Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Estonia and Russia as well as a Cricket Board of Wales select side are also participating.

Only a few players are able to travel from Poland for the week-long competition, and the club, who are raising funds to cover the accommodation of all players taking part, are hoping to attract some UK-based Poles or those with a Polish connection.

Angus Bell - author of Batting on the Bosphorus, a book about cricket adventures in Eastern Europe - has agreed to act as guest captain for the Polish team.

He told ecb.co.uk: “We're not looking exclusively for players from Poland but anyone with a Polish connection would be more than welcome to take part.

Poland last played internationals against the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2004

“At the moment we have about half a team and with a month to go until the tournament we need to boost the numbers a bit.

“So I'd like to encourage anyone Polish, or with a Polish heritage, who is keen to represent their national cricket team and can spare the time off - no matter what their ability - to get in touch.

“Even if you were Polish in a previous life, come along. It's not every day you get the chance to play international cricket.”

Carmel chairman Charlie Bass, who is helping to organise the tournament, added: “All of the other countries taking part are bringing over a full compliment of players for the tournament but Poland are struggling for numbers.

“Not only are we after players who are Polish but perhaps there are people who play cricket who are of Polish descent.

“Also there may be UK-based Poles who may have played sports such as ice hockey or baseball and could maybe transfer their skills to cricket.

“We’re hoping to have Adam (Franciszek) Partridge, who presents antiques television programme Flog It!, in the side after he told me that he has a Polish mother.

“While Dave Szumowski, who is an Australian of Polish heritage and coach of the France national cricket team, is available for part of the tournament.”

Anyone interested in representing Poland should e-mail timothy.abraham@pa-sport.com or telephone +44 7809 649039.