Indians reign in Israel cricket

Players of Indian-origin cornered almost all the honours at the prize distribution ceremony of the Israel Cricket Association with immigrant Sanjay Gupta leading the way with all-round performances.

Of the ten prizes presented at the ceremony only two were won by non-Indians.

Gupta, who was a prolific scorer in the national championship with more than 500 runs at an average of 79.29, was also awarded the second best bowler in his league.

"We could not do well at the European Cricket Champioship for the ICC associate members in Belgium last year but I am looking forward to the forthcoming Maccabiah games where several international teams will be participating", he said.

Gupta has played for the Mohammedan Sporting football club in Kolkata and the Premier Club in Kenya before immigrating to Israel three years ago.

Anim Solomon, who won the best bowler award in the Premier League, came to Israel several years ago as a youngster leaving back his whole family in India.

"The craze for cricket comes from the childhood days spent in Mumbai. I still visit my family back there," Solomon said in Hindi.

Another player of Indian-origin, Yaniv Razpurker was declared the ICA junior cricketer of the year.

Though cricket is not a very popular sport in Israel, it has attracted attention recently because of the ICC championships won by the under-13 and -15 teams in Europe during the recent years.

"Several teams from India, Australia, South Africa and other countries have agreed to participate in the Maccabiah games to be held in July here," ICA Secretary Naor Gudker also of Indian origin, said.

The ICA also has a league with 15 teams divided into three groups including players of Indian, South African, British and Australian-origin. Three new teams are expected to join the league this year.