Italian Town Monfalcone Bans Cricket: Cricket is considered as a religion in India. When the ICC World Cup takes place, not only India but people from all over the world keep their eyes on it. Many leagues like IPL, BBL also add to the excitement. But very few fans would know that there is a city in the world where cricket is banned. Yes, this is a city in Italy.
The name of this city is Monfalcone, where the population is only 30 thousand. The mayor of this city, Anna Maria Cisint, has banned playing cricket in Monfalcone. The main reason for this is the population of Bangladeshi people.
You can play cricket outside the city
If anyone is found playing cricket in this city, there is a provision to impose a fine of 100 euros (about 9200 rupees) on him. However, so much relief has been given that if someone wants to play cricket, he can go out of the city and play.
After this ban, the police keep an eye on all the major grounds and localities of the city through CCTV. Actually, one third of the city’s population consists of migrants, most of whom are Bangladeshi Muslims. They are passionate about cricket. They also offer namaz on the road, street or in public places.
…and many other restrictions were also imposed
The number of immigrants is also increasing continuously. Due to this, the local people have started believing that their culture and tradition are in danger. On this issue, Anna Maria Sisin, the leader of the right-wing League party, contested the mayoral election and won. After this, as per her promise, she has banned many things including cricket.
In the 1990s, they came here as labourers to build cruise ships. Now their population has gradually increased. There were many benches in public places in the city where Bangladeshi people gather, so all those benches have been removed. Offering namaz in public places has been banned.
Mayor receives death threats
While talking to BBC, the mayor said that this way our history will be erased. Hence, cricket has been banned by using it as a symbol against Bangladeshi Muslims. The process of Islamic fundamentalism is going on here in full force. Let us tell you that due to such statements, the mayor has also received many death threats. Hence, the government has given him round the clock police protection.
Regarding the ban on cricket, the mayor said that we have neither money nor space to build a cricket pitch. Anyway, the ball is dangerous because it can hit anyone. If they are so fond of playing cricket, then they should go out of this city and play there.
Bangladeshi community expressed its displeasure
Near the city is Fincantieri, which is one of the largest shipyards in Europe and the world. Bangladeshis are recruited here for labour. The shipyard operators say that we do not find skilled artisans for work in Europe.
On the other hand, the Bangladeshi expatriate community expressed their displeasure over all these restrictions and said that if our workforce leaves from here, it will take 5 years to build a ship in the shipyard here, but still our importance is not being understood. We are being discriminated against.
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