Iran has been one of the beneficiaries of the globalization mantra that pervaded the cricket development ethos of the late 1990s. The administrators have subsequently taken advantage of their proximity to Pakistan to create a following for the game.

Iran has, however, to paraphrase Churchill, been an enigma wrapped around a riddle inside a mystery, for much of their international cricket life since becoming members of the ACC and ICC.

While cricket in Tehran itself remains largely an expatriate game, there is much activity in the southern Chabahar and Baluchistan regions of Iran. These regions border Pakistan and there is increasing evidence, as they develop commercially and welcome cross-border interaction, that cricket is attracting more and more local people.

Cricket because of its body-covering uniform is seen as something that women can observe and participate in and women’s cricket is being increasingly encouraged. The majority of accredited umpires in Iran are currently women.

At present the cricketers are made up of two distinct parts: the Tehran-based ones who have access to playing abroad and the cricketers of the regions bordering Pakistan who truly have learnt cricket the hard way. Their desire to play irrespective of all obstacles in their way, is humbling.

The women’s team, along with the men’s and youth teams have shown considerable competitive spirit in their outings and once more discipline is added to their determination, along with better preparation, they will cause some upsets. There are eight provincial women’s teams in the country playing regular cricket.