Cook Islands Cricket Association

History

Cricket in the Cook Islands has been around for over a hundred years. The first official record of cricket is in 1910 with the registration of the Rarotonga Cricket Association, however photos pre date this to at least the late 19th century. It is thought that cricket was originally brought to the capital Island of Rarotonga by merchant sailors and missionaries. Primarily played by the expat community local cricketers were playing well before the 1940s. Pukapuka, the furthest most northern island of the Cook Islands, which is closer to Samoa than any of its neighbouring Cook Islands, have long played a version of cricket named 'Polo Wale' more akin to the Samoan 'Kirikiti', though formal 'English' Cricket as it is called was introduced within the past 10 years. The Pukapukan's refer to cricket as their 'national sport' and it is no coincidence that the majority of the national male representative side originate from or are of Pukapukan descent. In 2009 Cook Islands Cricket employed its first CEO, Alister Stevic, since that time cricket participation in the Cook Islands has grown at an exponential rate. There has been no AGM for at least 2 years and failure to produce financial statements to the registrar meant that in 2012 CICA was struck off.

Objectives

The Objectives of the Cook Islands Cricket Association are;

Governing body

Cook Islands Cricket is governed by the Cook Islands Cricket Association Incorporated Board, with each island having its own affiliated committee. The Cook Islands Cricket Ass Inc board comprises;

Awards

Cook Islands Cricket's exponential rise in participation and popularity has seen the Association collect a number of local and International Awards;

Population and participation

The Cook Islands comprises 15 small islands whose total land area is 240 square kilometres (92.7 sq mi). The Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), however, covers 1,800,000 square kilometres (690,000 sq mi) of ocean.[4] As at the 2006 census the population of the Cook Islands was 19,569. As at 2014 approximately 3000 children participate in formalised cricket activities and approximately 900 adults.

Islands cricket competitions

As at 2014 10 of 13 inhabited islands participate in junior cricket.

Southern Group

1. Aitutaki
2. Atiu
3. Mangaia
4. Mauke
5. Rarotonga
6. Palmerston

Northern Group

1. Pukapuka
2. Nassau
3. Penhryn
4. Manihiki

As at 2014 6 of 13 inhabited islands participate in senior men's and women's cricket.

Southern Group

1. Aitutaki
2. Mangaia
3. Mauke
4. Rarotonga

Northern Group

1. Pukapuka
2. Penhryn

First class competitions

In 2010 Cook Islands Cricket introduced its first class cricket system which comprises representatives sides from the islands of Pukapuka, Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The Cook Islands Domestic League or D-League as it is commonly referred to is Twenty20 in format.

Tours and tournaments

Cricket in the Cooks has evolved into one of the most unusual experiences in the world, where fun, enjoyment, culture and competitiveness meet in a flurry of excitement and entertainment. Cook Islanders have a unique approach to their cricket which suits the Twenty20 format where batters look to hit the ball hard and the bowlers bowl quick. The Cook Islands Cricket Association runs its annual Festival of Cricket.

Passport challenges

The Cook Islands is one of three International Cricket Council member countries that do not issue their own passports, instead Cook Islanders have New Zealand passports, this presents significant challenges for Cook Islands Cricket in eligibility of its overseas based and even returning Cook Islands resident players.