Despite all the turmoil going on in the world, the divisions and uncertainty, there is always one thing we can count on to act as an oasis of calm and unity. The village cricket match!
On the first Sunday of May local teams of cricketers representing Britain, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan gathered at Thursley Cricket Club in Surrey to forge bonds of peace as well as while away a sunny afternoon playing or watching cricket matches.
The event was organised by the Aldershot branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association to promote peace and raise awareness and money for the upcoming annual Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association charity walk in Newham, which regularly raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for a variety of national and local charities.
The cricket was enthusiastically and competitively fought with some big hit boundaries and was watched by friends, families and neighbours who enjoyed the opportunity to chat and socialise. Also attending were the Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley.
Lunch was a spicy Indian biriyani followed by sweet rice and freshly barbecued burgers with plenty of tea to go around; food, of course, and tea in particular, being a great common force of unity and civilisation.
The tournament itself and the trophy was won by the team representing Afghanistan who showed great sprit in their play while Pakistan were runners-up. Winners or not, whether cricketers or spectators, there were plenty of smiles around throughout the day.
There’s little that forges common bonds in England like spending a sunny Sunday afternoon watching white clad cricketers compete on a village green surrounded by friends and family.
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