Three stories to cover. After the Cricket World Cup made barely a ripple in France… Australia clinched gold against India in the most-watched sporting event globally across all disciplines. A shock to the community, as Australia toppled an unbeaten team—right on their home turf in India, the cricket kingpin.
Just weeks ago, the International Olympic Committee announced cricket as an added discipline for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, sending shockwaves through the global community. Many nations are thrilled by this addition to the U.S. Olympic lineup.
The third story is a French affair. A France 24 article from November 7th exposed fraudulent practices by France Cricket. Read the article.
Explanation:
France Cricket is an association lacking the criteria to be called a Federation. It relies on a convention with the Baseball/Softball Federation to gain recognition from the Ministry of Sports. This convention is set to expire in 2025, and already, France Cricket’s licensed players are no longer counted among baseball’s.
France Cricket answers to the global cricket body, the ICC, which distributes subsidies based on criteria like player numbers, youth development, and women’s programs. Meanwhile, many provincial clubs aren’t affiliated with France Cricket, instead joining multisport federations like ASPTT.
France Cricket claimed to the ICC that France boasts 30 women’s clubs, with matches regularly held in Paris and the provinces. These claims secured subsidies. However, France 24’s journalist found no evidence of these matches, exposing staged games. The English press picked up the story, causing ripples in Anglo-Saxon sports media. In France, only France Cricket’s president, Prebou Babane—at the helm for a decade—responded: “False and baseless accusations.” Meanwhile, the France women’s team captain took to social media demanding transparency. This was followed by a statement from the entire women’s national team seeking clarification. The baseball federation also demanded answers from France Cricket.
At this stage, the ICC could launch an audit. If proven true, France could face the same fate as Sri Lanka or Switzerland, whose suspensions tarnished their reputations. Alternatively, the scandal could fizzle out, which France Cricket and its silent board members surely hope for. Or, new accusations could emerge, with journalists digging deeper. France Cricket’s general assemblies have already been rocky when financial explanations were demanded. Whispers are growing louder about verifying tender procedures, aid distribution, travel expense reconciliations… Those long advocating for financial transparency await these revelations eagerly.
Cricket’s already struggling reputation in France won’t be helped if the audit findings are damning. Stay tuned for the next episode…
