Zürich, 4 May 2025 — Cricket Switzerland has taken an important step toward promoting integration and inclusion through sport by launching its first sFOCUS Introduction to Umpiring Course in Pashto, designed specifically for members of the refugee community.
The course, held at Bullingerstrasse 63 in Zürich, was conducted entirely in Pashto to ensure accessibility and comfort for participants, many of whom come from Afghanistan and have sought refuge in Switzerland. With growing participation of refugees in local cricket clubs, the course aimed to deepen their understanding of the game and offer a pathway into the world of cricket officiating.
Building Skills, Confidence, and Community
Led by ICC-accredited tutors Jay Singh and Chris Lodge, and interpreted by Malyar Stanikzai, the one-day course provided a foundation in cricket umpiring — from laws of the game and field positioning to game management and decision-making. The sessions were designed to be interactive and beginner-friendly, opening the door for participants to eventually pursue formal certification and officiate in domestic matches.
This initiative is part of Cricket Switzerland’s broader effort to use cricket as a tool for integration. By empowering refugees with new skills and responsibilities, the sFOCUS course helps participants not only become better players and umpires, but also more engaged members of their local communities.
“It was inspiring to see the level of enthusiasm and dedication from the participants. They were eager to learn, and many showed real potential to go further as umpires,” said Jay Singh, ICC Tutor.
“Cricket is a universal language. What we saw here wasn’t just learning the rules—it was building confidence and connection. This is what the game is all about,” added Chris Lodge, ICC Tutor.
Community Support and Hospitality
The course was offered free of charge as part of Cricket Switzerland’s commitment to supporting refugees. A wonderful lunch was lovingly prepared by members of Rorschach Cricket Club and Solothurn Cricket Club, who not only contributed their time and resources but also played a key role in organizing and supporting the event. Their generosity helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
A Model for Future Programs
With this successful pilot, Cricket Switzerland plans to expand the sFOCUS umpiring courses to other regions and languages, making cricket education more inclusive across the country. The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in continuing their journey in officiating and contributing to their clubs beyond just playing.
This course stands as a testament to the power of sport to connect people, break down barriers, and foster meaningful integration
