8th February 2024
| Mark Frost
Tawe T20 Midweek League Swansea Area - Keri Chahal Area Manager
During Race Equality Week (5th-11th Feb) it is really good to learn about how cricket has been listening in to its community in the Swansea area, especially the relatively new Tawe T20 league. Area Manager Keri Chahal describes what's been happening:-
An increase in indoor sessions being booked at Ynystawe CC by members of the South Asian community back in 2021, initially facilitated by Paul Crane of Ynystawe who could see the demand increasing, then contacted me to see how best we could facilitate this opportunity. It was quickly agreed for us to have a meeting with all parties to discuss further opportunities and from those initial meetings came the idea of the Tawe T20 midweek league.
The league was launched for the 2022 season with 4 teams and it has gradually grown. This season it will have 8 teams from across the local South Asian communities playing a 14 week league programme followed by playoffs and a finals day. Local clubs and facilities are kindly supporting in hosting the games throughout the season once again (Ynystawe CC, Felinfoel CC, Briton Ferry Town CC and Cwrt Herbert).
This year finals day will be once again be hosted at Ynystawe CC on their premier league ground in early September.
Last season we involved the South Wales ACO who provided umpires to the league games which was a big success, a key driver in breaking down barriers and misconceptions. The umpires have enjoyed their experiences and are glad to keep their “eye in” with local midweek cricket in between their weekend fixtures. A big thank you to the ACO’s Dean Thomas who facilitates the umpires appointments for the league.
We would also like to recognise the ECB for their EDI support funding which helps towards the costs of setting up this league.
This season (2024) the teams entering the league are:
- Swansea Warriors
- Master Blasters
- Spartans
- Briton Ferry Town Blues
- Briton ferry Town Greens
- Rising Stars
- Strikers
- Deccan Chargers
It has become a real success and an example of working closely with all the stakeholders and facilitating their needs, with the support of the wider cricketing network.
"To play a part in the setting up of the Tawe League was a significant step for the Club. Having already hosted training sessions and fixtures from across South Wales from teams with South Asian backgrounds we could see how passionate they were to play cricket. It was great to work alongside Keri Chahal of Cricket Wales to get the Tawe League up and running and to offer our two grounds at the outset. We now host several South Asian teams at our Sports Hall nets during the close season which further enhances our close relationship with teams in the Tawe League. It’s been a real partnership we very much value as a club". - Paul Crane of Ynystawe CC
Abdul Mustak, the Swansea Mosque, Rising Stars Team Manager said:
"Being part of the Tawe T20 league as been a real positive experience, it has benefited our community considerably and ensures there is a focus on positive activities.
The cricket programme for the Rising Stars has proved to be big success and we are looking to bring more players from a younger age group on board to get involved.
We would like to thank Keri Chahal of Cricket Wales and all the other local partners in making this league possible."
An associated benefit of the league is that a number of players who play in this midweek league have moved into local established teams to play Saturday cricket which has helped support and sustain that key network. A real good news story built on our shared passion for our game.
Pictures attached:
- Pic 1: attached of the 2023 launch evening with Team Captains and Umpire at Ynystawe CC.
- Pic 2: Pic of Keri Chahal presenting the Rising Stars new playing tops hosted at Swansea Mosque.
- Pic 3 - Swansea Warrior 2023 Champions