Cricket has been officially organized in Mallorca since 1988 with the foundation of the Mallorca Cricket Club. Matches were traditionally played against visiting Royal Navy ships, teams involving the islands boating community and games against the other Balearic Islands.
During this time, the games were played on a sand based football field with a coconut matting wicket. The game benefited from the exposure and soon the Mallorca players were looking at other areas to provide regular opposition. Gradually a a number of UK based clubs began sending over teams to play on the Island to take advantage of playing cricket in the sunshine. Cricket was also gaining interest in other parts of Spain and Mallorca started to provide players for the Balearic XI that played in the Spanish regional Tournament in Madrid. The player base in Mallorca grew and in December 1990 an alternative team was formed, the Island Cricket Club. In 1993, after negotiations for a more permanent ground for the exclusive use of cricket, a leasehold was acquired from Calvia Town Hall resulting in an amalgamation of both clubs forming the present day Agrupacion Mallorquina de Cricket (A.M.C).
Mallorca were now involved in national cricket, playing both the league and the Cup and the game on the island flourished. In 2003, the Mallorca Cricket Ground (M.C.G) played host to over 75 fixtures.
The M.C.G is situated in the south west of the Island, 25 minutes from Palma airport and just 15 minutes from Andraitx. The Ground is located in a quiet and picturesque area just outside Magalluf.
The A.M.C deals with all the central issues for the Mallorca Cricket Club such as incoming tours, away tours, fundraising, promotional activity and social events. There is an elected committee that represents the players and members.
There are over 25 cricketers who play at the club, most of them are made up from British ex-patriots other nationalities include Sri Lanka, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Australia, Holland and the Caribbean. All ages are encouraged to play and the A.M.C is looking at providing coaching for children from 8 years old and upwards in 2005. There are also social members who are regular visitors to the clubhouse. If you are a regular visitor to the island and are interested in playing or participating, why not come down to the M.C.G or call the Secretary. Fixtures lists are available.
All matches are played at the M.C.G. The clubhouse is surely among the finest in Europe with a large lounge and bar, changing rooms, shower rooms, kit room and kitchen. Outside there is a substantial covered terrace with tables and chairs for spectators. The ground has a sand outfield with an impressive 70 meters diameter and and artificial wicket to the middle. The outfield can be quick but most fielders enjoy the experience. The middle has a true bounce and is ideal for all levels of cricket. There is also a score hut with two practice nets adjacent. The clubhouse is open on Friday afternoons during the season, please liaise with your contact in Mallorca regarding opening times.
The weather here is ideal for cricket and you can enjoy playing at the Mallorca Cricket Club during the regular season from September until the end of May. Matches can be organized in June, July and August but due to the heat, fixtures are limited. Any prospective touring team must contact the Secretary for availability.
We try to accommodate all clubs looking tat touring the island. Duration of tours vary from 3 days to 2 weeks. A long weekend represents an ideal break, whilst with the family, week long tours are extremely popular. Normally the A.M.C can offer a club staying for one week a minimum of 2 fixtures. In recent times, when touring club dates coincide, we pitch these clubs against each other which provides clubs with a third and sometimes fourth fixture. Usually the games involving the Mallorca players are scheduled for Tuesdays or at the weekend.
In the event of more than three teams choosing the same touring dates, then we run a mini-festival. In the past, the A.M.C has hosted Mallorca International Week which involves 6 teams, all from different countries. Apart from UK based Clubs, we have enjoyed entertaining clubs from the following countries: Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Australia, Holland, Belgium, France, India, Guernsey and the Isle of Mann, all making for a convivial and cosmopolitan flavour at the M.C.G.
Just some of the clubs that have been to Mallorca include: The M.C.C, Bunburrys, Rochdale, Swiss Alphorn, More & Daresbury, Ashmore, Cranbourne, Northampton, Cavaliers, Archery Tavernier's, Holford, Moose, Biddeford, Stony Stratford, Cholmondeley, Eversholt, North Down,, Lurgan, Cabris, Macbeth, Isle of Mann, Harold Wood, Old Lincolnians, Sussex over 50s, Gents of Essex, Panteg, Polloc, Cobo, Captains Select, Zambuca Tigers, Ladymeade, Penicuik, Staines & Laleham, Nomads, Wayfarers, Aston University, Coventry University, Australia House, Vale of Leven, Crawley Falcons, Muppeteers, Redmarley, Bold Dragoon, Rogerstone.
Many of the above clubs choose to tour regularly.
In the first instance, please contact the Secretary of the A.M.C who will be able to provide more information and confirm availability of requested dates The fixtures will be included in the A.M.C cricketing calendar. We endeavor to keep specific dates for the matches but sometimes changes have to be made due to weather, accommodating other visitor teams etc.
Your Requirements:
- 1 new ball per game (suitable for the M.C.G outfield)
- Score Person
- Umpire
- Cricket whites (white shorts can be worn in hot weather)
- Trainers or Rubber Studs Only
- Match fees to cover teas
- Kit (we have some available)
- Momentos for opposition
On the Day:
- Team to be at the M.C.G 45 minutes before start of play
- 40 over match unless prior agreement for a differing format
- Standard limited over rules apply
- Drinks break after 20 overs
- Tea after first innings
- Stronger drinks after the game, speeches, exchanges
We do hope you are interested in touring the fabulous Island of Mallorca and look forward to welcoming you at the M.C.G !!!
If you wish to make enquiries or wish to join the Club please call the Secretary:
James Bodsworth
Mob: +34 609 068 728
Tel: +34 971 670 702
Fax: +34 971 670 702
email: james@mallorca-cricket.com