Cricket España are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Desert Springs Resort for it to become the home for Spanish International cricket.
Having successfully hosted two ICC European events, Spanish international matches, and a tour by the MCC last year it seemed the next logical step for Cricket España to forge a stronger relationship with the Almeria resort.
Already in 2022, the counties of Leicestershire, Hampshire and Derbyshire have had pre-season training camps at the ODI ICC accredited venue, and Cricket España themselves had a training camp at Desert Springs from March 24th to the 28th.
On top of the training camp, Cricket España have also agreed to host numerous T20I Men’s and Women’s ranking events this year, starting off with a tri-lateral series in May/June involving Spain, Norway and Guernsey.
Importantly, Cricket España will work with Desert Springs to reach out to the local community to promote cricket with the Criiio program, and organize educational and cricket opportunities for schools and Junior boys and girls in the region.
Corey Rutgers, Spain’s national team coach stated;
” Absolutely fantastic new’s that we can align ourselves at Desert Springs for 2022 and beyond. The facilities are second to none, and as a coach it gives me confidence that I can take the national team to a higher level training on some of the best facilities in the world. It promises to be a big couple of years in the development of Espana cricket, so a big thankyou to Desert Springs and Simon who share our vision and have been very helpful in helping us align our vision and goals along with their very own. 2022 has so much to offer and I know all the squad members, coaching staff can’t wait to get back to training at Desert Springs in the coming week”.
Desert Springs Resort Sales & Marketing Manager, Simon Coaker remarked;
In 2018, the inauguration of the Desert Springs Cricket Ground was celebrated by Cricket España playing in the grounds first competitive match. Since that time, both Desert Springs Resort and Cricket España have worked closely together to develop and grow the game domestically in Spain, and on the International stage.
Confirmation of the world-class facilities and outstanding quality of the cricket ground and academy at Desert Springs Resort was confirmed in 2020 by its award of ICC accreditatation, ensuring an additional location for staging events and providing an added stimulus for the development of cricket in Spain and other European cricket nations.
Desert Springs Resort is extremely proud to now be recognised as the official “Home of Cricket España”
In conjunction with Cricket España we shall continue to work together to further attract high level international cricket to Spain and to help boost what is already a growing sport in this part of the world.
We enjoyed welcoming the National Squad of Cricket España between 24th-28th March, for a five day training camp as important preparation prior to their hosting at Desert Springs a triangular T20I ranking series against Norway and Guernsey between 29th April and 1st May.
Credit Photos: Ian Willis-Bentley.