Episode 42 of European Cricket Stories highlights grassroots growth and the power of community in Croatia. 🎙️
ECN Founder Daniel Weston sits down with Jawahar Danikula, Captain of Zagreb Assassins Cricket Club, to explore a journey that began in front of the television. Jawahar’s earliest cricket memories date back to 1996 or 1997, when he jokingly describes himself as the family “TV remote” for his father and grandfather during cricket broadcasts. Soon after, his uncle began taking him to the ground and by the age of 11 or 12 he was playing himself.
Work brought Jawahar to Croatia, where friends introduced him to indoor cricket in Zagreb. Not long after, they decided to form their own club. Through months of dedication and hard work, the group established an artificial wicket in the heart of Zagreb, creating a centrally located ground that is easily accessible and open to the wider community.
Zagreb Assassins now share the venue and a healthy rivalry with another local club, Sokol, who qualified for the European Cricket League the year before. When the Assassins first started, they struggled to find a playing eleven. Today, they have around 35 active members regularly taking part.
Jawahar reflects on how cricket connects people from different countries and backgrounds, introducing him to individuals he may never have met otherwise. The Assassins compete in the Croatian league and frequently travel to Split and the historic island of Vis for away fixtures. The central location of their ground, combined with an active social media presence, has played a major role in driving membership and awareness.
This episode is a reminder that cricket’s growth often begins with passion, persistence and a small group of believers willing to build something from scratch.
New episodes of European Cricket Stories are released every Tuesday and Thursday, sharing the stories that keep European cricket moving forward.
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