How did Cricket begin in Jamaica?

by Michelle Chasse
(Colorado Springs, CO USA)

Q: How did Cricket start in Jamaica and why did it become so popular?

What does the popularity of Cricket tell you about the culture of the Jamaican people?

Thank you,
Michelle Chasse

A: You have to remember that Jamaica was once a British colony. Cricket started in England, the English loved and played it for sport and entertainment, and when they took over Jamaica they brought it here.

After a while, Jamaicans caught on to the sport and played it...and it eventually became very popular.

Over the years we have played in and won several regional championships - dating back to 1968...and have sent several world-class players to play in leagues around the world.

Since then we have won about 10 regional titles.

The popularity tells us that the Jamaican people are extremely talented and competitive...and that cricket is only one of the avenues through which we express this competitiveness. It is in our "bones"...and has been for a very long time.

...even with the advent of track and football, cricket still remain one of the top sport on the Island.