The New Millennium: Resurgence and Formalization

The turn of the millennium marked a revitalization of cricket in Colombia, fueled by a surge of passion and commitment. In December 2000, a friendly match between the teachers of the Anglo Colombian School and the Bogotá Sports Club signaled the beginning of this new era, held at the club’s newly established venue on the Cota-Suba road. The momentum continued in May 2001, when a visiting team from Panamá played a two-match series in Bogotá, securing victories over a Bogotá Sports Club team that informally represented Colombia. The following year, in March 2002, inter-city cricket saw a significant revival with the return of the Ambassador’s Cup, as Bogotá traveled to Cali for a two-match series hosted at Colegio Colombo-Británico, attracting large crowds and generating excitement. In April 2010, the Colombia men’s national cricket team made its official international debut in a two-match series against Costa Rica at the Bogotá Sports Club, which ended in a 1-1 draw and introduced standout players such as Andy Farrington, Camilo Fonseca, Andrew Wright, and Sebastian Lonsdale. The competitive spirit between cities continued in May 2011, when Cali Cricket Club defeated Bogotá Sports Club by nine wickets, and again in June 2012, when Bogotá secured a commanding 95-run victory over Cali, reinforcing the intensity of the rivalry between these cricketing hubs.

The Rise of Cricket Colombia: National Board and International Presence

The growing momentum led to the formal establishment of the Colombia Cricket Board in 2014. This unincorporated association was formed to administer the sport nationally and oversee the national team. Key representatives from Bogotá Sports CC, Cedritos CC, and Cali CC met to lay the groundwork for national governance.

• October 2014: Colombia hosted its first international cricket tournament, the Amazon Cup, welcoming Peru and Brazil. This marked a significant step in establishing Colombia as a regional cricketing hub.

• 2015 onwards: Colombia has consistently participated in the South American Cricket Championships (SACC), the leading regional competition, improving its standing over the years and achieving a best finish of third place in 2023.

• 2018: Colombia hosted both the men’s and women’s editions of the South American Cricket Championship at Los Pinos, Bogotá. Notably, the women’s edition was granted WT20I status for the first time by the ICC.

Looking Forward: ICC Recognition and Future Growth

By 2025, Colombia’s status as a non-ICC cricket-playing country is becoming increasingly unusual, given its strong historical performance and active national scene. Colombian teams have demonstrated their strength by beating all ICC members in the South American and Central American regions on multiple occasions. A monumental achievement occurred in December 2024 when, after eight years of dedicated lobbying, the Colombian Ministry of Sports officially recognized cricket as a sport in Colombia. This resolution, calling for the establishment of a federation, paves the way for greater support, infrastructure, and ultimately, full ICC membership, promising a bright future for cricket in Colombia.

The journey of cricket in Colombia is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the universal appeal of the game. From its colonial roots to its modern-day resurgence, Colombian cricket continues to grow, promising exciting times ahead for players and fans alike.