The History of Cricket in Egypt

From Empire to Silence

Introduction of Cricket in Egypt (1880s–Early 1900s)

Cricket was introduced to Egypt in the late 19th century, brought by British military officers, civil servants, and diplomats stationed during the colonial period. It quickly became a favorite pastime among the British community and was played in prestigious venues such as the Gezira Sporting Club in Cairo and Alexandria Sporting Club.

These clubs were more than just sports grounds — they became social centers where cricket was played with pride and elegance, often attracting European diplomats and local Egyptian elites. The lush green fields, the white uniforms, and the spirit of gentleman’s sport laid the foundation of cricket in Egypt during this era.

Rise of First-Class Cricket in Egypt (1909–1939)

The early 20th century marked the golden years of colonial-era cricket in Egypt. Between 1909 and 1939, Egypt hosted several first-class cricket matches, some of which were played between Egypt and touring teams from England, India, and other parts of the British Empire.

Egypt even had its own national team comprising British residents and elite locals. Some matches during this period are documented in international cricket archives. These encounters, held mostly in Cairo and Alexandria, showcased Egypt’s early involvement in international cricket — long before many Asian and African nations rose on the cricketing map.

Decline of Cricket After 1952

In 1952, following the Egyptian revolution and the end of the monarchy, British influence in the country began to rapidly decline. As the British community left Egypt, so too did the infrastructure and passion for cricket.

With no governing body, no equipment import, and no cultural integration into the local sports scene, cricket began to vanish. Sports like football and handball gained prominence, and cricket slowly disappeared from public memory.

Complete Disappearance (1955–1999)

For almost five decades, cricket in Egypt existed only in scattered memories and old club photos. Grounds were converted for other sports or urban projects, and generations of Egyptians grew up without ever seeing a live cricket match or holding a cricket bat.

There were no formal clubs, no leagues, and no recognition of cricket in Egyptian sporting culture between the mid-1950s to the late 1990s. The once-bustling grounds of Gezira and Alexandria stood silent as Egypt's cricketing voice was muted for nearly 50 years.

This dormant phase of Egyptian cricket history would finally see a spark reignited in the year 2000 — when a new generation of cricket lovers would gather at the Oberoi Mena Ground, unknowingly starting a revolution.