From Lord's to the Fjords: The Saga of Icelandic Cricket

Iceland's first national cricket team was formed in 1999 by two holidaying Icelanders, Ragnar and Stefán, who were determined to teach the game to their friends. Despite not knowing the rules, owning kit, or having a team to play against, they formed the team and became a viral Twitter sensation. Historical evidence proves that the Vikings were playing cricket in the tenth century.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2023
Publisher: Trinorth Ltd

Sports enthusiasts worldwide were captivated when Australia emerged victorious over South Africa in the iconic World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston in 1999. Among them, two Icelanders, Ragnar and Stefán, were on vacation in Cyprus and had the opportunity to witness cricket for the first time. Despite not knowing the rules, owning equipment, or having a team to play against, they were determined to bring the sport to their homeland.

Undeterred, they embarked on a mission to form Iceland's first national cricket team. They faced numerous challenges, including a lack of knowledge about the game, no resources, and no established cricket community. However, their unwavering spirit and passion propelled them forward.

From Lords to the Fjords is an exhilarating account of cricket in Iceland. It delves into the misperceptions and misunderstandings that occurred when the national press mistakenly identified a stag party from Oxford as the official England team. It also highlights the accidental televising of an imaginary Icelandic Cricket Cup final by Sky Sports, the extraordinary feat of the lead singer of Iron Maiden flying a passenger jet to a match under the midnight sun, the thrilling experience of Henry Blofeld umpiring in a blizzard atop an ice cap, the surprising sale of the Iceland team to the global public and their viral Twitter sensation (which incurred the wrath of Jofra Archer), the remarkable story of an Icelandic "mystery spinner" signing for an Indian Premier League team, the fulfillment of the Iceland team's dreams by playing their first international match, and historical evidence that confirms the Vikings were actively playing cricket in the tenth century.

This captivating tale showcases the resilience, determination, and infectious enthusiasm of the Icelandic cricket community. It demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be pursued and achieved with unwavering passion and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The journey of the Icelandic cricket team is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together, transcend boundaries, and inspire generations to come.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915237316