The African Caribbean Cricket Festival, an exuberant celebration hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in partnership with the ACE Programme and Northamptonshire County Cricket Board, showcased a remarkable gathering of cricket and athletics legends.
Among the stars were cricket greats Dean Headley, Norman Cowans, and Devon Malcolm, alongside athletics icons Dalton Grant and Tony Jarrett.
This event, celebrated annually, marks a significant tribute to the legacy and influence of Black communities within cricket, aiming to ignite a passion among the youth for their rich cricketing heritage.
Over a thousand enthusiasts converged at Northamptonshire’s County Ground, where more than 100 young girls and boys engaged in All Stars and Dynamos cricket sessions under the guidance of these renowned figures.
The festival not only served as a sports clinic but as a cultural festivity featuring live music, delicious African Caribbean cuisine, and a spirited Dominoes tournament—a nod to the Windrush generation’s tradition of community and resilience.
Devon Malcolm, a spearhead in advocating for greater inclusion within cricket and the ECB’s Black Communities Liaison Officer, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the festival.
His efforts, alongside those of Cowans and Headley, are vital in fostering a new generation of Black cricketers.
The day was highlighted by two T20 showcase matches, where the ACE Academy triumphed over Northamptonshire Academy, followed by an intense super-over victory for the Windrush Trophy XI against the Caribbean Cup XI.
The event was not just about competition but also about community and celebration. Reverend Michael King blessed the games, which underscored the ECB’s Raising The Game initiative, aiming to make cricket the most inclusive sport.
The ECB’s Taste Of Cricket campaign also added flavor to the event, using cuisine to bridge diverse communities.
Devon Malcolm expressed his pride in the festival’s role in uplifting the Black community within cricket: “I’m incredibly proud of today’s event, it’s been a brilliant celebration of the Black community in cricket.
There’s still plenty of work to be done to get more young people from this community into the game but events like this give me the hope and the knowledge that we are one step closer to where we need to be.”
The ACE Programme, initiated by Ebony Rainford-Brent in 2020, has been instrumental in engaging Black youth in cricket, with a significant number transitioning to professional levels.
This festival not only celebrates current achievements but also sets the stage for future stars in cricket.
Norman Cowans and Dalton Grant echoed these sentiments, noting the joy and unity that the festival brings to participants and spectators alike, emphasizing the importance of continuous support and investment in these communities.
In conclusion, the African Caribbean Cricket Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring impact and potential of Black communities in cricket.
It is a beacon of hope and progression, bringing together past legends and future stars in a celebration that transcends sport.