The future of France women’s cricket team is uncertain following a dispute between players and the governing body of France Cricket.
In November 2023, 17 national team players of France Women’s Cricket signed a letter requesting an investigation into allegations of staged matches to secure funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC). “If the allegations are true, we condemn the actions as outrageous and, as players of the national women’s team, we wish to strongly and firmly dissociate ourselves from the behaviour and actions of France Cricket,” read the letter, as quoted by France 24.
Incidentally, one player, Tara Britton, reported attending a training camp with only one other player present there. This came just a day after signing the investigation letter. Shockingly, France Cricket’s sporting director, Saravana Durairaj, then informed Britton and the other signatory players that they were suspended. “He told us, ‘You’re not welcome anymore’—that we’re suspended. He was visibly quite angry. He wouldn’t let us say anything, wouldn’t let us explain our side. He was basically saying he was disappointed in us,” said Britton, as quoted by France 24.
Durairaj, who recently became CEO, had previously coached the team to success, including promotion to a higher division. He said that a decision about the France women’s team would be issued in May but did not respond to more detailed allegations.
However, the players maintained that their actions were not criticism, but simply raising awareness of potential issues within the organization. “We dared to say that we knew there were some problems within the federation. Can you really say that is criticism? It’s factual,” said Lara Armas, another player who signed the letter.
The players were subsequently removed from communication channels on WhatsApp. Later, social media posts revealed they would not represent France women’s cricket team in the first-ever Women’s European Cricket Championship.
Last Updated on April 12, 2024