Liettres, a french village might have just put itself on the Global map. According to a letter by the then French King Louis XI, stating “Why are you staring at our ball game?” which was followed by some kind of a violence resulting in a death, show the earliest depiction, a so called game involving “boules” or balls and a wooden post or “criquet”. The event supposedly took place in 1478.
In honor of this village’s memorable achievement and also a heretical claim it is scheduled to host an international tournament later next month comprising of the teams from Lille, Belgium and Kent. This is set to be followed by a mega “Liettres 1478 Challenge” in 2016, by when the village would have been equipped with its own standard cricket stadium.
“Cricket is not well known in France but the interest is growing.” according to Anne Debosque the director of tourism around the historic village.
“We hope that this tournament will attract people from England and elsewhere, and draw attention to the beauty and history of an area only a few kilometers away from the Channel tunnel.” he added.
“Cricket as we play it today is an English creation, that is undisputed – and that’s why I love it. I am a great fan of British culture.” said Mr Dethoor.
“But the mention of cricket at Liettres in the 15th century is perfectly plausible. It is believed that the game originated in Kent or possibly Flanders. Maybe by the late 15th century some form of the game had crossed the Channel from England, or maybe it was the other way around.”
