From Phagwara to Bergamo: The Unlikely Journey of an Italian Cricketer
"Chalo! Hum Hindi mein baat karenge (let's talk in Hindi)." This phrase is rarely heard before an interview with an Italian cricketer, but for Jaspreet Singh, it reflects a deep connection to his roots. Despite moving to Bergamo, Italy, twenty-two years ago as a ten-year-old with his parents, he has neither forgotten his native language nor his hometown of Phagwara in Punjab.
A New Beginning in an Unfamiliar Land
The early days in Italy were far from smooth for Jaspreet and his family. His father, Tirath Singh, and mother, Jasvir Kaur, settled in an unfamiliar town as factory workers, facing the challenges of a new country, language, and culture. "It was a big day for my family when we got the chance to migrate to Italy. But we were a bit anxious too as everything was new for us," Jaspreet recalled in an interview with PTI. Amidst this transition, his mind was preoccupied with one thing: cricket, a passion he nurtured as a child in Punjab.
Overcoming Cricketing Obstacles in Europe
For a budding cricketer, Italy presented significant hurdles. As a cricketing outpost, the European nation lacked proper infrastructure. Jaspreet enrolled in the local Bergamo Cricket Club, a modest facility at best, and simultaneously completed a two-year electrician course to assist his father. However, his determination led him to seek guidance from Indian expats at a local gurudwara, who advised him to move to England to play on turf wickets.
In Birmingham, Jaspreet balanced his cricketing ambitions with practical needs, working as an Uber driver to meet expenses while playing in the competitive Birmingham & District Premier League. "I used to play in India when I was a kid and I wanted to do that when I went to Italy. But there was no cricket there, no real stadiums or grounds," he explained. "When I came to know about it, I started playing after shifting to England because they had turf wickets."
A Dream Realized: Representing Italy on the Global Stage
Jaspreet's perseverance paid off when he made his debut for Italy as a right-arm pacer against Norway in 2019. The team narrowly missed qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup after a defeat to Ireland, but they achieved their dream a year later by topping the European Regional Qualifiers in June 2025. "It is a matter of pride for us. We have been trying for a long time to qualify," Jaspreet said. "This team has been the same for the last three to four years. Everyone knows each other and everyone knows their role. We have not only come to participate in the World Cup, we have also come to compete."
Returning to India: A Full-Circle Moment
For Jaspreet, a trip to India is not just a homecoming but an opportunity to experience world-class cricketing facilities. "This is an amazing feeling for us. I have been watching these grounds since my childhood. Our great legends like Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have played in these grounds," he shared. Playing at iconic venues such as Chidambaram Stadium, Eden Gardens, and Wankhede Stadium is a dream come true for the entire team.
Beyond the emotional significance, Jaspreet emphasized the practical benefits of adapting to Indian conditions. "It is helpful because you get to know the conditions here, what is the dimension and how is the wicket going. What is good about it? Is it good for spin or fast? So, we are checking the conditions," he noted. The team aims to use this experience to enhance their performance and learn from the infrastructure.
Aspiring for Growth in Italian Cricket
At 32 years old, Jaspreet hopes that Italy's participation in the T20 World Cup will inspire improvements in the country's cricketing structure. "The players are very good, as they have good skill sets. But the problem there is with the structure. But now, with the World Cup, we hope that the facilities will improve," he said. The team's journey through Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai serves as a learning opportunity to replicate such standards back home.
"Hopefully, we also can impress with our performances as such occasions do not come often," Jaspreet concluded, highlighting the team's commitment to making a mark on the international stage.
