Carmel & District Cricket Club became the first village team in Wales to play cricket against national cricket teams in the summer of 2007.
Inspired by the late Harry Thompson’s Penguins Stopped Play Carmel went behind the old Iron Curtain and travelled to the former USSR on a cricket tour, which made would make history.
Carmel faced national teams from Estonia, Russia and Latvia and also became the first touring side to win the Helsinki International Sixes competition in the nine-year history of the event.
Players were touched by the warmth, hospitality and passion for cricket in these countries and it was decided that the club would like to give something back.
After a proposal was ratified at the club’s Annual General Meeting the club sought permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC Europe) to stage an invitational Twenty20 tournament.
ICC Europe subsequently agreed to support the event and the Carmel Invitational EuroTwenty20 tournament was born.
National teams representing Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Russia and Slovakia were invited, and agreed to take part in, the competition which will take place from July 13 - 20, 2008.
All of the countries are at various stages in their cricketing development and it is hoped the tournament will act as useful preparation for those who will compete in the 2009 ICC European Championships.
The competition will also feature a Cricket Board of Wales Select side as the other home team. Information on all the other participating nations is available by clicking on the relevant page above.
Carmel is honoured to be able to stage and participate in the event and is proud to be able to assist ICC Europe in helping the development of cricket outside of the major Test-playing nations.
If you require any further information please visit the contact page above..
We look forward to welcoming players, sponsors and spectators to our Pen-y-Gelli ground for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of European cricket and European culture.