Kuwait Cricket


Kuwait Cricket is the official governing body for the game of cricket in Kuwait. It is an associate member of the International Cricket Council, a full member of the Asian Cricket Council and affiliated to Kuwait Olympic Committee. The Association was founded in 1996.

History of cricket in Kuwait

  • 1946: Cricket first played in Magwa between the Oil Company employees and those of the contracting companies.
  • 1947: Magwa Cricket Club formed by Kuwait Oil Company senior staff. For a brief period known as the Kuwait Cricket Club.
  • 1948: Magwa Cricket Club renamed the Hubara Cricket Club; its objective was to 'foster cricket in Kuwait'.
  • 1951: The Ahmadi Township was built by the Wimpey and Motherwell Bridge Companies. The cricket-mad executives laid out a pitch and Hubara Club moved into the 'Oval'.
The Wimpey Trophy was inaugurated as a match between Hubara and the Contractors. This was the first trophy for cricket in Kuwait.
This was later converted into the Wimpey League which included teams from outside Ahmadi. With the construction of a thatched-board hut as pavilion, Ahmadi became the home of cricket in Kuwait.
1950s:
The Magnificent Merchants. A wider circle of participation and many tournaments came into being. This spread the game within Kuwait.
1962: The Kuwait Oil Company built the present Pavilion and shortly after the sight screens and score boards were erected. Managing director H L Scott declared the brand new pavilion open.
  • The Napier Bowl donated by Rolls-Royce was for the match between Hubara Wanderers and Hubara Nomads.
1970s: The Malhotras contributed a trophy for a league comprising the top two from Rahim and the bottom six from Wimpeys.
  • The Jashanmal Trophy was renewed and the Acton-Wilson Trophy was instituted for the Under 40s versus the Over 40s.
1980s: Evergreen became the first team after Casuals winning all 13 matches of Wimpey League.
1990s: The Cricketing agenda as is currently in place. The Classic League Premier League, Challenge League, KBRC Trophy, GC/MK Electric League, KEC League are the top leagues and the Mirza Cup is the Knock Out Tournament.
2001:Gagira Perusinghe of Lanka Lions established a new world record claiming 9 dismissals behind the wicket of FedEx Cricket Club all 9 batsmen were 'stumped'.
2006: Unity Oval ground converted into grass and laid down the new proper Turf Pitch.
The International Flavor:
Kuwait Cricket Teams regularly visited Cyprus and travelled to England, Switzerland, India, Pakistan besides other Gulf Countries.