Where do I start ? Well firstly a bit about myself. I'm 18 years old, born in Letterkenny but raised in Laois. I love cricket, hockey, photography and journalism. My father is from the depths of the Punjab and mum from a far away land of Tyrone. By the way I'm not a speaker of Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi or Afrikaans for that matter but just the morbid English language and the gibberish language on Shakespeare on the leaving cert course. 

 

As you are all aware foreign nationals account for a huge number of players in the Leinster leagues and Irish leagues for that matter, and have increased the talent and growth of the game exponentially but comes with a familiar foe. The bitter chirping of a foreign tongue looking around the ground. I'm sure most of you can relate to this as the majority of my club are not of an English speaking nature and sometimes get carried away. 

 

I have no problem with the language of the people. But there is a time and place for everything. Location, location, location. I believe from the captains toss the coin  to the locking of the changing rooms the international language of business i.e. English should be spoken. 

 

Why I hear you ask? Well to be quite frank it is rude. Very rude. Rude to your teammates, umpires, opposition and spectators and you're letting yourself down. Even if you were talking about last nights dinner. The umpires have a hard enough time already without the hassle of learning the 'Hindi for dummies' handbook. I know way too many people who have left or threatening of leaving the club if this ordeal is not fixed, and it's heartbreaking. It's so simple to fix. My mates live the game and come for training or even a few games but always say they will never come back gain. Why ? Because they feel they are not involved due to the language. That's why so many children and teenagers fall away from cricket as its unattractive and boring to stand at fine leg not understanding a word. My brother included. 

 

Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with two guys at tea break to have a few private words in their own language. But when the team and opposition are involved please have the curtesy and respect to speak in English. Otherwise there will be severe division amongst players and clubs which should never be the case. This would be very disappointing for all, in the simple terms of Shakespeare 'out vile jelly ! ' but. No one wants it to come to that, let's enjoy our beloved game of cricket. 

 

This article was not intended to offend anyone in any way and if I have I am deeply sorry.