Empire Cricket Booklet

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INDIAN CRICKET IN NATAL

In January 1902, delegates from Durban and Pieter maritzburg met at the Wesleyan Methodist Indian school to form a Natal Indian Cricket Union (NICU). Pietermaritzburg was represented by Gopaul Narran des, L. Robert Gopaul and Simon James, and Durban by A. H. Peters, D. Ernest and K. R. Nayanah. In an attempt to 'foster unity and filial affection towards each other, and cement the two together for a permanent brother-hood', Durban arranged to play Pietermaritzburg on 22 February and 29 March 1902. 58 The NICU became inactive as soon as refugees be gan returning to Transvaal. In January 1913, Durban cricketers wrote to B. M. Ally, 59 Rambuli Singh, Char lie Nulliah 60 and Simon James to arrange a match

between Durban and Pietermaritzburg where the formation of a Natal Union could be discussed. There was no reply. Another letter in August 1913 was also ignored. Further correspondence in September 1914 resulted in Bernard Sigamoney and Ally agreeing to meet in October. The meeting was cancelled because Ally insisted they meet in Pietermaritzburg, while Sigamoney wanted the first meeting in Durban, the 'Sporting Centre'. While there was no formal union there were regu lar matches between teams from Durban and Pietermaritzburg. For example, Junior Pirates from Durban played Royals in Pietermaritz burg in January 1916. Royals won by 53 runs. A banquet was held in the evening at the home of

Royals Cricket Club 1911/1912 (Pietermaritzburg).

Royals was formed in Pietermaritzburg in 1900 and flourished for nearly 90 years. It had a proud record and many of its members represented Natal and made a notable contribution to cricket administration.