We’ve all heard about vacations, but not many know about crication. Vacation is defined as “a leave or absence from a regular job or school, or an instance of leisure travel away from home.” But what exactly is crication?
The term crication was coined by a group of cricket enthusiasts who wanted to combine their love for the sport with travel during their vacation time. Gopal Jasapara, a cricketer-turned-coach and the brain behind crication, explains: “It’s all about playing cricket during your vacation with fellow lovers of the game.”
The group is now preparing for their fourth tour—this time to England, starting June 14.
The joy experienced during their previous tours has left every participant eagerly looking forward to the next one. Interestingly, they plan their tours to coincide with major international cricket events, allowing them to watch top-level matches in addition to playing their own. Their inaugural tour was to Australia in 2015 during the ICC Cricket World Cup. I first met this cricket-mad group in Melbourne while covering the tournament.
On this upcoming trip, they plan to watch the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. If they can manage to get tickets, they also hope to watch the first Test match between England and India at Leeds.
Jasapara shared the inspiration behind Crication: “The idea is to enjoy the game during vacation time, meet people from around the world, make new friends, and, if possible, watch a good cricket event.” After Australia, crication has toured India and England. Their fourth tour—again to England—will be an eight-day trip featuring five matches: two 40-over games and three T20 matches.
“Eight players have already confirmed their participation, and we’re looking for five more. Anyone with a valid UK visa can join us. We aim to have another great tour and create lasting memories. Registration is open to anyone over 25 years old who wants to play five quality matches in England,” added Jasapara.
Players from the last tour not only enjoyed playing in the English weather but also had the opportunity to visit Lord’s Cricket Ground and even practice in its indoor stadium. They carried back cherished memories of being at the Home of Cricket.
Jasapara reflected on his experience across all four crication tours: “I’m 57 years old and love playing cricket with passionate people from around the globe. I feel no stress when I’m with the team. It feels like a professional environment, and I give my best. To this day, cricket keeps me strong. I enjoy the entire process of bowling and batting during these tours. For us, it’s not about winning or losing—it’s about connecting with people who share the same passion for the game.”
During these tours, matches are arranged against local clubs that play for the sheer joy of the game. On their last visit to England, they played against Sutton CC, a club established in 1857.
Like-minded individuals interested in joining the tour can contact Gopal Jasapara at +971553367499. Players from the USA, New Zealand, and India are expected to join others flying in from Dubai. Crication is more than just a vacation—regulars like Anoop, Tufail, Gopal, Harshad, and Umair can vouch for that.
