MANAMA:Bahrain’s Northern Municipal Council has proposed to ban expats from playing cricket on open waste ground amid claims that it constitutes an illegal gathering, concerns that players could molest passing children and that “people’s lives are at stake”.
The sport is especially popular among the country’s Asian community and it is not uncommon to see amateur games being played in the open, particularly during weekends.
However, the Northern Municipal Council yesterday voted to outlaw the pastime in its constituencies, citing complaints from neighbours, Gulf Digital News said in a report.
“I don’t want to say there have been regular confrontations, but a number of people complained about participants taking up car park spaces in front of their homes or blocking their garages, besides making a huge noise,” said council chairman Mohammed Buhamood.
“People are also afraid that if they allow their children to go to the cold store they could be molested whenever spotted.
“The whole situation is beyond control, mainly on Fridays when expatriates have a day off.
“Concerned government bodies have to step in and introduce a system that everyone is satisfied with because without arrangements, people’s lives are at stake.”
He claimed the council was also concerned for players because they rarely wore safety equipment.
“We are not against labourers’ right to play their favourite sport freely, despite it being mainly played without permission on open spaces that are private or government property,” said Buhamood.
“There seems to be a problem determining whether it is a sport or an illegal gathering.
“If it is a sporting event then players are not wearing safety gear, putting their well-being in danger.
“There is no ambulance on site for those who could be seriously injured and security arrangements are not made with the sporting regulator, which is the Youth and Sports Ministry.
“If it is considered an illegal gathering, police have to ask organisers to seek prior permission from the nearest police station.”
The proposal will now be referred to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry for review.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
