THE Church Times Cricket Cup competition, a victim of the pandemic for the past two years, is being revived this year.

As in previous years, group matches will be played from early May to early June, quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place in late June/early July, and the final will be held in early September.

Contact has been made with almost every diocese or group of dioceses fielding a team; the rules of the competition are being brushed down; and the teams are currently agreeing dates and venues. If you are not aware of your diocese’s having a team, and you would like to set one up, please email Ed Thornton at ed.thornton@churchtimes.co.uk.

The Bishop of Loughborough, Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, welcomed the return of the Church Times Cricket Cup. He said this week: “As the lyrics of 10cc’s iconic song goes, ‘I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it!’ I’m someone who has lived my life in two cricket-loving countries, India and England, and I have a deep passion for the sport; watching and playing!

“After several delightful seasons with the Canterbury & 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! It was very special to receive my new team shirt and cap during my announcement as Bishop in November.

“In the interests of wellbeing, 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!”.