The Passion of Cricket: From Devon to Bangladesh

John Stanlake, a moderately fortuitous swing bowler and deceptively stubborn number eleven bat, learned (and unlearned) all he needed to know about cricket in the picturesque English village of Cockington, South Devon. It was during his time as part time scorer, part time bowler, and full time scone eater, that his love of the beautiful game of cricket took root.



His Devon D Division West (2nd XI) title winning medal from 1999, and a match saving 11 not out with the bat are proud moments in an otherwise unremarkable cricket playing life thus far. However, his enthusiasm for the game remains undiminished.





©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

Cockington Park, South Devon - Home of Cockington Corinthians CCJohn now works internationally, which has seen him make cameo appearances for Prague Cricket Club, the National University cricket team in Butare, Rwanda, as well as almost playing against the Suriname national team in Guyana…until rain stopped play.Currently working in the rapidly expanding port city of Chittagong, Bangladesh, John spends his free time exploring the country armed with his camera, and for the past few weeks has been photographing (and occasionally joining in!) local cricket matches around the city and surrounding areas.The continued growth and rise of the Bangladesh national team (or ‘The Tigers’ as they are proudly known) has reinforced the public’s interest and passion for the game, and recent one day series wins against South Africa, India, and Pakistan are a key reason for this.No longer viewed as a minor or emerging force on the international cricket stage, Bangladesh now deservedly command real respect, and the England team currently touring in Bangladesh will be wise to take heed.The following photos were all captured in and around Chittagong and depict the love of a sport that continues to capture the imagination of many of the 160 million proud Bangladeshis, especially young players who dream of emulating their heroes.Taken inside Zahar Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, this image shows the pride and passion Bangladeshis feel for their nation and of course ‘The Tigers,’ their beloved cricket team.Makeshift games occur all over the city, and any piece of unused land is commonly filled with several simultaneous matches.: CRB Hill Park is a common area for cricket in Chittagong. Games become quite elaborate and as this image shows, often draw their own crowds.One of the main constraints for the growth of cricket in Bangladesh is the lack of infrastructure and adequate facilities to develop the country’s undoubtable talent. Practice facilities are on the increase however, and this photo shows two aspiring cricketers practicing just outside MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong.The stark contrasts in Bangladesh can be all too evident at times. As a bowler practices in the nets next to MA Aziz Stadium, children living in adjacent shacks look on.This photo was taken within the grounds of Jamiatul Falah Mosque. Small games often take place here after Friday prayers.Chittagong is a city growing at an incredible rate. This rapid expansion has seen the construction of high rise buildings all over, which poses another problem for the development of cricket, as previously available land has been filled with new homes or offices. This large area is just outside MA Aziz Stadium in the centre of the city.Local games spring up everywhere however, and are often disrupted by passing rickshaws and other traffic. This rarely affects the focus or enthusiasm of the players though!While the sun sets on another day, this boy’s innings comes to an abrupt end as his middle stump is rattled.

Stumps of Stone: Just like small games all across the world, wickets are often fashioned from whatever instruments are available at the time. This photo was taken in the grounds of a local school.







©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

©John Stanlake

In this game cardboard boxes were the wicket of choice.Bangladesh is an incredibly beautiful country and at CRB Hill Park I watched several small games take place as the sunlight streamed through the tree encompassed ground.Spectators congregate on the roots of one of the many trees that fill this park in the city.There’s no doubt that cricket fans in Bangladesh want to be entertained and relish quick scoring games. As I watched batsmen in local park games, I regularly saw the ball fly back over the bowler’s head. On this occasion though the batsman was beaten by the pace!This batsmen was much more conservative. He was however met with an aggressive field who were perhaps tired of his test match approach to this local game!A positive attitude to this innings was watched on with approval by the redundant slip fielders!These youngsters epitomise the hopes and dreams of cricket fans across Bangladesh. There’s a real belief now that this generation of players can stamp their authority on the world cricket stage, and the whole nation is behind them. It will be wise for other cricket playing countries to take note and beware of the rise of the tigers!