Hawke's Bay cricketers experience the buzz and energy of vibrant Sri Lanka
Tuk-tuk rides, jungle safaris, and temple visits were just some of the adventures the Hawke’s Bay Men’s Indoor Cricket team, the Turkeys, experienced during their recent trip to Sri Lanka, where they represented New Zealand at the Indoor Cricket World Series in Colombo. In this article, tour lead, Craig Findlay, recounts the trip. The team was helped to include cultural activities in their itinerary by a Foundation Community Sports Grant.
The Hawke's Bay Turkey's at the Indoor Cricket World Series in Colombo
Arriving in Sri Lanka was an exciting experience. The warm, humid air, vibrant energy of the bustling streets and welcoming smiles of locals left a strong first impression and set the tone for the adventures ahead. The mix of modern and traditional culture, and the aroma of spices in the air made us eager to explore what the country had to offer.
From day one, the team was simply blown away by the hospitality of the locals and on numerous occasions we were the centre of attention and part of family and group photos.
Indoor cricket is not as big in Sri Lanka as it is in New Zealand, but it is a developing sport with significant potential. The interest and infrastructure are growing, and it’s clear that the sport is poised for major growth. While it doesn’t yet have the same widespread following, the passion and enthusiasm of the players and organisers were evident throughout the trip.
Craig: "Arriving in Sri Lanka was an exciting experience. The warm, humid air, vibrant energy of the bustling streets and welcoming smiles of locals left a strong first impression and set the tone for the adventures ahead."
On our second day in Sri Lanka, we took an unforgettable tuk-tuk journey—zooming around downtown Colombo, weaving in and out of traffic and stopping at sights along the way. We slipped down busy side streets where we enjoyed spices, crafts, and local food at street-side stalls and markets.
The temples we explored provided wonderful history lessons. With their serene ambience and intricate designs, each temple exuded a sense of history and spirituality, adding a deeper cultural dimension to our trip.
The diverse cultures and friendly locals were something that the group continually discussed; we felt like Sri Lankans, and the markets obliged by having Sri Lankan cricket shirts, which the players purchased for themselves as well as for friends and family back home.
Touring Colombo's sights by tuk-tuk
Day trips to Sigiriya and Yala National Park were massive highlights of the visit.
Travelling in the small trains, going past wildlife, especially the elephants, really brought home the fact that we were a long way from Hawke’s Bay.
On these trips, we would frequently stop to indulge in fresh fruit and vegetables that melted in our mouths, as well as sampling local delicatesses that we were able to enjoy throughout the journey.
One of our favourite dining experiences was in the Lotus Tower Restaurant, also known as the Colombo Lotus Tower, which is the tallest building in Colombo, standing at 350 metres.
There were, it seemed, unlimited courses of sublime buffet food that challenged our taste buds. The views are simply amazing—you can see for miles as the room rotates 360 degrees each hour.
The team got the chance to travel to neighbouring national parks to experience some of Sri Lanka's incredible wildlife
Climbing the magnificent 200-meter-tall Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock, was a true test of endurance, but the breathtaking view from the summit made every step worthwhile—a memory we will cherish forever.
On the ascent, we encountered impressive murals and giant lion paws carved into the stone, and at the summit, we explored the ruins of an ancient palace built by a king hundreds of years ago.
Craig: "The journey up the ancient rock of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, sure challenged the lungs but, what an amazing view that we will treasure forever."
During our time in Colombo, we had plenty of opportunities to socialise with other teams. Three of the teams stayed at the same hotel, and we spent a lot of time together poolside, sharing stories and building friendships in a relaxed setting.
At the tournament function, we met the rest of the teams, creating a lively atmosphere of camaraderie. These interactions made the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
The tournament was an opportunity to meet fellow club cricketers from around the world
The trip was summed up brilliantly by one of the group, who had toured Europe last year. “This was the best time of my life, and I cannot wait to explore more of Asia,” he said.
Colombo, Sri Lanka, you have changed our lives and the memories from this trip will stay with us forever but will also be passed onto our family and friends so they can one day experience it for themselves.
The Foundation's sports programme provides New Zealand sportspeople opportunities to grow more knowledgeable, connected and confident with Asia.
The Foundation's Community Sports Fund provides funding for community sports groups travelling to Asia for sports to include cultural activities to their itineraries.
