With the start of Ramadan, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation has been celebrating the holy month with Bristol’s Muslim community.
Jen Muckle is our Diverse Communities Manager and has been organising the activities for both men and women across Bristol.
It is an exciting opportunity to host a number of events to celebrate Ramadan this year with Bristol’s Muslim community. Even more so, it was particularly exciting to see the local community wishing to celebrate Ramadan with us and learn more about this religious period.
Reflecting on our Men’s Tape Ball Ramadan Cricket Cup, it was a fantastic opportunity to bring together both community-led teams and nomadic club players. One of our Street Coaches, Bilal Raja, led the prayers and catered for Iftar, providing an inclusive and welcoming environment to both players and staff leading the event.
Alongside our Ramadan Cricket Cup, we are looking to engage more with Muslim women this Ramadan through our free Women’s Walk and Talk event. Running on Wednesday mornings, we look forward to welcoming the local community to this event to build connections and enjoy a relaxed walk in, fingers crossed, the sunshine.
Ramadan Tapeball Cup
On Thursday, February 19th, the inaugural GCF Ramadan Cup took place. A tapeball tournament, this fast-paced, all-action form of the game was hosted at Redland Green School.
Bringing together 25 men from the community, the evening began by celebrating Iftar and breaking fast before the action on the pitch began. Four teams competed for the title of champions, and the action was unrelenting.
Starting immediately in the semi-finals, there was no margin for error. Every six was answered with a fantastic searing yorker or a great delivery by the bowler. In the end, Bristol Badshahs came away victorious, managing to defend their total of 47 made in the allotted 5 overs.
Bilal Raja, Captain of the winning Bristol Badshahs, said: A massive shout out to the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation for organising such an incredible event that brought people from all walks of life together. Your dedication to engaging with every part of our diverse communities, especially through inclusive and culturally meaningful initiatives like this continues to inspire. Thank you for creating a platform where sport, culture, and connection can thrive.
The Ramadan Cup wasn’t just a competition, it was a celebration of unity, respect and the power of sport to build bridges. To all the teams, volunteers, supporters, and organisers: what you’ve achieved goes far beyond the pitch.
Already buzzing for next year as current Cup holders of the GCF Ramadan Cup — let’s defend that title!
The GCF Ramadan cup is just the latest event in Bristol to increase tapeball participation. There will be more coming soon, so keep an eye out for information.
Eastville Walk and Talk Group
Wednesday mornings, throughout Ramadan, we are gathering in Eastville Park for light exercise and chat. These walk and talk sessions last a couple of hours, and bring together female GCF staff and members of the community.
Women and their families are welcome to join these free sessions to chat with like-minded individuals and enjoy a gentle walk.
If you’re interested in finding out more contact Jen Muckle
jen.muckle@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org
07534 541945
