A Carmarthenshire MP has called for the establishment of an official Welsh International One Day and T20 team. Jonathan Edwards MP has put forward a motion in Westminster stating the belief that Wales as a cricketing nation could compete at 20-20 and One Day World Cups. The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP, who is a keen cricketer himself and still plays for his home side in the county, is calling on the Welsh government to offer any support needed to promote Welsh cricket to an international level.
Jonathan Edwards MP said:
“There is a precedent for Welsh cricket competing at a high level. In 1979 Wales competed in the In ICC Trophy only narrowly missing out on the semi finals due to run rate. Famously, of course, in 2002 Wales beat England in a 50 over challenge match; albeit with the help of a few non welsh Glamorgan players.
The Ashes Test in Cardiff demonstrated the passion there is for the game of cricket in Wales. There is a very high standard of cricket played throughout the country. You only have to look at the current Glamorgan squad which is littered with Welsh players and who are having a fantastic start to the T20 season.
There is a high standard of cricket played in the county and certainly I think a number of local players could realistically aim for national honours with a Welsh T20 or One Day side if their talent was given the opportunity to develop.”
Mr Edwards MP added:
“These proposals should not impact at all on either Glamorgan’s status as a First Class County or Sophia Gardens position as a Test venue. However, establishing a Welsh international cricket team for One Day and T20 internationals will allow Welsh players greater opportunities to develop their skills at the highest level. This will not only increase standards in Wales it will put players in the shop window to play Test cricket that wouldn’t otherwise get that chance.
There is a clear commitment in the One Wales Agreement to offer support to sports bodies wishing to develop national teams and I believe cricket in Wales would be an ideal candidate to benefit from that backing.”
