Türkiye

Cricket in Türkiye is surprisingly old, with games having been played in Istanbul in the early 20th century. It was big enough for one of Türkiye's biggest football clubs, Fenerbache, to even establish its own cricket branch in 1911. Unfortunately, the First World War resulted in cricket dying out in Istanbul and it is only now, almost a century later, that cricket has once again taken root.

The General Directorate of Sports (Gençlik ve Spor Genel Müdürlügü) decided to form a Developing Sports Branches Federation (TDSBF) on 21 December 2006 and, after approaches from the Turkish cricket community, 'kriket' was included officially as a 'developing sport'.

With state recognition, an official board established and regular competitions, the TCB in September 2007 applied for Membership of the ICC. Türkiye was granted ICC Affiliate Membership in 2008 and is then qualified to play international cricket.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye decided to affiliate the Cricket sports branch within the Türkiye Developing Sport Branches Federation to the Türkiye Rugby Federation (TRF) on 29 November 2024.

Mr. Nahit SAHIN is the current President of TRF, and Mr. Baki PEKBAK is the Chairman of Cricket in Türkiye.

In accordance with Turkish Regulations, in order for any person to play cricket in Turkish Cricket Sport Clubs, the person shall either have Turkish citizienship or permament residency, or temporary residency (more than one year stay in Turkiye) is a requirement. And, in order to be a Turkish National Team player in any category, the person shall be a Turkish citizen.

TRF does not send any invitation to any foreign players or coaches or support staff to come to Türkiye or does not provide any support letter to get a visa or temporary or permanent residency in Türkiye.