The Women’s T20 World Cup fever captured a very tight-knit community in West London on the day of the Final, with Middlesex in the Community & Brent Indian Community Centre coming together to showcase cricket and its ability to unite. Before even a ball was bowled at Lord’s, over 60 members of the Indian community in Brent gathered for an afternoon of cricket sessions, food and a World T20 Watch party.
The participants were of all ages, grandparents with their grandchildren, women who shared a passion for cricket and several volunteers at this unique community centre, who brought a real sense of shared celebration to the day.
Raj Mistry, BICC Secretary, said
“It’s been such a successful day having so many of our members here, who have also brought along their children and grandchildren to take part in cricket activities”
While the build up to the final played out on the big screen, where Australia added yet another World title to their cabinet, several children took part in batting, bowling and fielding drills delivered by Middlesex in the Community Coach, Sam. Their enthusiasm towards cricket was clear to see, and many of them expressed a strong interest in continuing with cricket beyond the event. It was encouraging to see how quickly the young people connected with the sport and how keen they were to get involved in future sessions.
The excitement wasn’t just limited to the younger attendees. A number of older women at the event showed interest in trying cricket themselves, sparking conversations about new opportunities for women’s participation within the community, particularly in the form of Walking Cricket. Their interest brought a fun turn to the afternoon, highlighting how cricket can inspire across generations.
MITC’s Sam Pimm, who led the organisation of the event, said
“It’s been such a fun day at the Brent Indian Community Centre; all of the staff and members here have been so welcoming and showed me traditional Indian foods and spices in between the cricket activation.”
The Brent Indian Community Centre helped create a relaxed, family‑friendly environment by providing pizzas and drinks for everyone. This simple addition made the event feel even more welcoming, giving attendees the chance to enjoy food together while sharing the highs and lows of the match.
What’s more, Middlesex in the Community, with support from the ECB Diverse Communities’ Women & Girls teams, provided the Brent Indian Community Centre tickets to watch the Group game fixture between England and West Indies at Lord’s – which was received with much fanfare and a first-time experience at the Home of Cricket for several.
All in all, Sunday’s screening was more than just a chance to watch the World Cup final, it became a day for connection, community spirit and a shared passion for cricket.
If you want to participate in cricket sessions in Brent, please write to [email protected]
