Italy qualify for T20 World Cup 2026: But why is Cricket banned in an Italian town?

Overview

• Italy scripted history as they qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026
• The Mayor has banned cricket in Monfalcone, one of the Italian Towns
• A 100 Euro fine is imposed on those who play cricket in Monfalcone

Italy scripted history as they qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of Joe Burns, the Italian Cricket team beat many teams, including Scotland, and qualified for the major tournament. However, cricket is banned in an Italian town named Monfalcone by its Mayor, and even a fine is imposed on those playing.

Monfalcone is a town in Northern Italy, boasting a population of over 30000 people. Its Mayor, Anna Maria Cisint, won her elections purely based on her stance against immigrants and is a firm believer that the local culture and Christian values are destroyed by the immigrants. Monfalcone is a town with a sizeable population from South Asia, especially Bangladeshi Muslims.

Also Read: List of Indian bowlers on Lord's honors board ft. Jasprit Bumrah

Cisint was aware of the Islamic population in the town and regarded it to be a culture where women aren't treated well compared to men. She regarded them as having given nothing to the town and dismissed playing cricket. While she claimed that cricket is free to be played outside the town, Anna strictly denied cricket being played in the town.

"They are free to go and play cricket anywhere else… outside of Monfalcone" - Anna Maria Cisint

"There’s a very strong process of Islamic fundamentalism here. A culture where women are treated very badly and oppressed by men. They’ve given nothing to this city, to our community. Zero. They are free to go and play cricket anywhere else… outside of Monfalcone," Anna Maria Cisint said in an interview with the BBC.

Also Check: ENG vs IND Lord's Test: Jasprit Bumrah provides triple strike for India early on Day 2

As it turned out, cricket has probably contributed more to Italy in the last few years than Football has done. While Football is indeed the number one sport in Italy, given their success in the past, cricket has qualified for the World Cup, something their Football team couldn't since 2014.