05.06.2023 : Belgian Consul General says cricket originated in Belgium, not England

Publish Date: June 6, 2023

Belgian Consul General says cricket originated in Belgium, not England

The Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai Frank Girkeens has said unlike popular perception that cricket originated in England, the game of cricket actually originated in Belgium. He said Flemish weavers took it to England in the 16th Century. The Consul General was speaking to Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais at Raj Bhavan Mumbai on Mon (5 June).

Girkeens said even though cricket originated in Belgium and the word ‘cricket’ itself has an old French origin, the game is today more popular in India where it enjoys the status of a ‘religion’.

Mentioning that Mumbai and Antwerp are diamond hubs, he said the two countries can increase their volume of trade significantly from the present level of 15.1 billion euros by enhancing their relations.

Welcoming the Consul General to Maharashtra, Governor Ramesh Bais called for enhancing cooperation between the universities in Maharashtra and Belgium.