[Italy] The Italian town that banned cricket

Is it un-Christian to play cricket ?
The town has an ethnic make-up unique in Italy: of a population of just over 30,000, nearly a third are foreigners. Most of them are Bangladeshi Muslims who began to arrive in the late 1990s to build giant cruise-ships.

As a consequence the cultural essence of Monfalcone is in danger, according to mayor Anna Maria Cisint, who belongs to the far-right League party.

She swept to power on the back of anti-immigration sentiment - and has gone on a mission to “protect” her town and defend Christian values.
 
Is it un-Christian to play cricket ?

No, Jesus played cricket.


was-jesus-the-first-ever-cricketer.jpg
 
No, Jesus played cricket.


was-jesus-the-first-ever-cricketer.jpg
1725609473990.png

Wearing Pads and sandals is just amazing, love AI
 
What the heck. That is just called intolerance Italy. I can get the loudspeaker prayers, that is invasive of non-believers. Cricket though is a personal hobby and is an internationally recognized sport. Why ban that? Are they scared people will realize its better than soccer?
 
“People from the town started sending me shocking photos and videos which showed a huge number of people praying in the two Islamic centres: as many as 1,900 in just one building,” the mayor says.

“There are so many bikes left on the pavement, and loud prayers five times a day - even at night.”


Mayor Cisint says this was unfair to local residents - and argues her ban on collective prayer comes down to an issue of urban planning regulations. The Islamic centres are not designated for religious worship, and she says it’s not her job to provide them.

Islam is not among the 13 religions that have official status under Italian law, which complicates efforts to build places of worship.

Bangladeshis in Monfalcone say the mayor’s decision has had an enormous impact on the Muslim community.

The mayor thinks that Bengalis are trying to Islamify Italy - but we are just minding our own business,” says 19-year-old Meheli. She’s originally from Dhaka in Bangladesh but grew up in Italy, wears Western clothes and speaks fluent Italian.

> We are only minding our own business.
> Bleats out prayers on loudspeakers five times per day.
 
What the heck. That is just called intolerance Italy. I can get the loudspeaker prayers, that is invasive of non-believers. Cricket though is a personal hobby and is an internationally recognized sport. Why ban that? Are they scared people will realize its better than soccer?
It is petty, futile & silly move from Mayor. Good chances that within 20 years, Italy will join International cricket with 50% of team as Bangladeshi immigrants.
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter