Episode 40 of European Cricket Stories takes us to France and explores one of the fastest growing associate nations in Europe. 🎙️

ECN Founder Daniel Weston sits down with Saravana Durairaj, Sports Director of Cricket France, to reflect on a journey that began with a powerful sporting memory. In 1997, at the age of 12, Saravana witnessed his first international match in Chennai, India versus Pakistan. The electrifying atmosphere and unforgettable crowd left a lasting impression that shaped his lifelong connection to the game.

Saravana and his brother were already playing cricket at school before that iconic moment, and he later progressed to university level cricket as a bowler. His path then took an unexpected turn when he moved to France to join the French Foreign Legion. One weekend in a Paris park, he spotted a group of players with cricket bats. Unaware that cricket was even played in France, he joined in and was soon invited to become part of Balbinians Cricket Club in Paris. Eighteen years later, he remains a proud member of the club.

The conversation highlights the strength of cricket in the Paris region, which plays a major role in national development. Northern France has its own competitive league structure, while the south of the country is experiencing rapid expansion. In total, France now hosts 14 domestic competitions and around 650 matches per season, an impressive achievement for an associate nation and a clear sign of cricket’s growing popularity.

This episode captures how cricket continues to thrive across Europe, with France emerging as a dynamic and ambitious cricketing nation.

New episodes of European Cricket Stories are released every Tuesday and Thursday, showcasing the people and progress driving the game forward.

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Watch the full episode https://youtu.be/kM13TfUYOLI