PLANS are coming together for the 2022 Church Times Cricket Cup competition, which is being revived this year after falling victim to the pandemic for the past two years (News, 25 March).

Contact has been made with almost every diocese or group of dioceses fielding a team, the rules of the competition have been brushed down, and the teams are currently agreeing dates and venues.

One of the competition’s most enthusiastic players is the Bishop of Loughborough, the Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, who last month welcomed the return of the cup. He spoke of his “deep passion for the sport”, and said: “After several delightful seasons with the Canterbury and Rochester Cricket Team, following my winter transfer to the diocese of Leicester, I really look forward to this coming year representing my new diocese and hopefully hitting a few runs along the way. . .

“In the interests of well-being, making and developing of friendships, and an opportunity for newcomers to try something new, I highly commend and endorse the Church Times Cricket Cup for 2022 and many years beyond — enjoy!”

A key change introduced in 2019 remains: there is still no limit on the number of ordinands that a team can field. We hope that this will continue to help dioceses to recruit players. This might benefit dioceses that happen to contain a theological college within their borders; but much training is now focused in the parish, and we expect many ordinands to be loyal to their sending diocese.

And, once again, all captains have been enjoined to encourage women to volunteer as players.

Any readers who are interested in playing this year — female or male, clerical or full-time church workers, Anglican or of another denomination — please contact ed.thornton@churchtimes.co.uk, who will put you in touch with the relevant captain.

Watch a video about the 2019 final here