Cricket: A Path to Inclusion, Unity and Hope

The Serbian Cricket Federation, the MCC Foundation, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Serbian Commissariat for Refugees and Migration and the UNHCR jointly enabled the participation of six teams made up of refugees accommodated in Obrenovac Asylum Centre and Adaševci Reception/Transit Centre in five cricket tournaments, organised within the “Lions League” in Lisičji jarak near Belgrade in September and October 2023.

In the final tournament which took place on 21 October, “Viper Commandos” refugee team from Obrenovac AC won the golden medals, while the “Bronze Bears” team, also from Obrenovac AC, took the silver. The participants forged new friendships and formed a new network of support in Serbia through this unique sporting experience.

Zaher from Afghanistan, who had been playing cricket for 13 years in his country of origin, won a special award as the best cricket player.

The tournaments were attended by the highest officials of MCCF, the ICC, the Serbian Cricket Federation  and the UNCHR which provided transport and refreshments for refugee competitors.

The tournaments marked the deepening and internationalisation of long-standing cooperation of UNHCR and the Serbian Cricket Federation, who have been enabling the residents of Obrenovac AC to play cricket in their spare time, on inclusion of refugees through sports. UNHCR looks forward to future opportunities for joining hands in supporting those who have been forced to leave their homes, and in creating more stories of courage, passion for cricket and sports in general and passion for human solidarity.