Finland venue team recognised as MCC and ICC Europe celebrate Spirit of Cricket partnership

The third and final MCC Spirit of Cricket Award to be presented at the ICC Europe Men's Sub Regional World Cup Qualification events this summer has been awarded in Finland, marking the conclusion of the inaugural year of the partnership between MCC and ICC Europe.

Presented during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C, hosted by Cricket Finland, the award recognised the tremendous contribution of the core venue team of Geet, Stella, Mano and Akash, whose dedication and commitment helped deliver a world-class event.

Portugal emerged as tournament winners, which sees them and runners-up Spain both securing progression to next summer's six-team Europe Final. However, the Spirit of Cricket Award shone a light on those whose efforts off the pitch ensured the competition ran smoothly throughout the week.

The quartet, who are all representatives of Cricket Finland, worked tirelessly across every aspect of the event, putting players and the game first at every opportunity. 

Whether leading volunteers, supporting officials and teams, or ensuring operational excellence throughout the tournament, no task was considered too small. Their selfless commitment and willingness to go above and beyond made them worthy recipients of the award.

James Overy, Head of Cricket Projects at MCC, was on hand to present the award on behalf of the Club, recognising the team's contribution to the success of the tournament and their embodiment of the values that sit at the heart of the Spirit of Cricket.

The award in Finland concludes a successful first year of collaboration between MCC and ICC Europe, which saw a Spirit of Cricket Award presented at each of the three ICC Europe Men's Sub Regional World Cup Qualification events held across Cyprus, Denmark and Finland this summer.

The award in Cyprus was presented to Nick Chimmunchlam, Cyprus Cricket's Cricket Development Officer and Event Venue Manager, before the second edition in Denmark saw the Hungarian national team claim the prize for opting to not run out an Estonian batter who suffered injury.

Together, the three winners demonstrate the many ways the Spirit of Cricket can be expressed, from promoting participation and growing the game, to displaying exemplary sportsmanship on the field, and providing the dedication and service behind the scenes that makes international cricket possible.

The three awards are in addition to the main MCC Spirit of Cricket Award, established by MCC and the BBC in 2013 to honour Christopher Martin-Jenkins.
 

The four recipients of the Spirit of Cricket Award at the World Cup Qualifiers in Finland and Andrew Wright of ICC Europe with James Overy of MCC with the Spirit of Cricket Award

Rob Lynch, Director of Cricket and Operations at MCC, said: “What has stood out this summer is the variety of ways people have brought the Spirit of Cricket to life. From supporting the next generation in Cyprus, to showing compassion in competition in Denmark, to the tireless work behind the scenes in Finland, each recipient has made a unique contribution to the game. 

“We’re delighted to have partnered with ICC Europe on this initiative and to recognise those who have put cricket’s values into action.”

Andy Wright, ICC Regional Development Manager, Europe, said: "This summer has once again shown the growth of the game in Europe as well as demonstrating the quality of the 29 sides who played across our three events. 

“It also showed us that the Spirit of Cricket is alive and well in Europe with the players showing respect, sportsmanship and humility whilst representing their countries. 

“We're grateful to MCC for their support and have enjoyed welcoming their representatives to our events to give them a good sense of the progress of the game on the continent. We look forward to continuing a strong partnership in 2027 and beyond."