The Malta National Cricket Team. Bikram Arora (Captain): A charismatic leader and a dependable top-order batsman, Arora’s experience and calm demeanour under pressure will be vital.
Waseem Abbas: An explosive all-rounder capable of changing the game with both bat and ball. His power-hitting in the middle order and handy medium-pace bowling make him a priceless asset in the T20 format.
Samuel Stanislaus: A genuine fast bowler who can trouble batters with his pace and bounce. He is the spearhead of the Maltese attack and will be crucial for taking early wickets.
Zeeshan Khan: A crafty left-arm spinner who excels at controlling the run flow during the middle overs and breaking key partnerships.
Darshit Patankar: A young, dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman who represents the new generation of Maltese cricket. His agility behind the stumps and aggressive batting style make him one for the future.
A Brief History: From Colonial Roots to National Pride
Cricket in Malta has a long history, dating back to the late 19th century under British administration. However, its journey as an organise national body began in earnest with the founding of the Malta Cricket Association (MCA) in 1998. Affiliated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an Associate Member, Malta has been a consistent participant in European tournaments and ICC sub-regional qualifiers. Tournaments and Goals
2025 is a pivotal year for Associate nations, with various qualification pathways for larger tournaments often on the line. While the exact ICC schedule for 2025 is still being finalized, Malta can expect to compete in:
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifiers: The primary and most important goal will be to advance. From the sub-regional group stages to the European Finals, edging closer to a dream spot in a global T20 World Cup.
- Central European Cup (CEC) or similar regional tournaments: These events are crucial for gaining match practice, ranking points, and regional bragging rights.
- Bilateral Series: The MCA will likely arrange friendly series against other European nations to build cohesion and test strategies.
The overarching goal for 2025 is clear: Climb the ICC rankings, win the sub-regional qualifier group, and announce Malta as a serious contender in European cricket.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
The strength of Maltese cricket lies in a blend of experienced stalwarts and exciting new talent. Here are a few players who are expected to be central to the team’s fortunes in 2025:
