Cricket on the Island of Vis: A Unique Sporting Legacy in the Adriatic

Discover the fascinating story of cricket on the Croatian island of Vis, where a unique sporting tradition dating back over 200 years thrives amidst vineyards and the Adriatic Sea. From its Napoleonic War origins to modern-day international tournaments, cricket on Vis blends history, culture, and community in one of Europe’s most picturesque settings.

When you think of cricket, the idyllic Croatian island of Vis might not be the first place that springs to mind. Yet, this remote Adriatic island boasts a fascinating and enduring cricket tradition that dates back over 200 years, blending history, culture, and sport in a truly unique way.

A Historical Beginning

Cricket was introduced to Vis during the Napoleonic Wars in 1811, when the British Royal Navy established a naval base on the island. Captain Sir William Hoste, the commander stationed there, encouraged his men to play cricket to pass the time and boost morale. The soldiers played on the lush green fields of Vis, planting the seeds of a cricket culture that would eventually take root among the locals.

The Long Pause and the Revival

After the British left, they took their cricket equipment with them, and the game faded from the island for nearly a century. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that cricket was revived on Vis, largely thanks to locals who had emigrated to cricket-loving countries like Australia and New Zealand and brought the passion back home. The first Croatian cricket club, Vis Cricket Club (Vis CC), was founded on the island, named in honor of Sir William Hoste.

A Local Game with International Flair

What makes Vis CC stand out is its strong local composition—most players are islanders, and the Croatian language is commonly heard on the field. The club has actively engaged with local schools to foster enthusiasm for cricket among the younger generation, helping the sport flourish despite competition from more traditional Croatian sports like football and basketball.

Vis has become a popular destination for cricket teams touring Europe. The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) even played a series of matches there in 2010, celebrating Croatian cricket’s bicentennial. The island hosts the annual Vis International Sixes tournament, a fast-paced six-a-side competition that draws teams from across Croatia and the UK, held on one of the world’s most picturesque cricket grounds surrounded by vineyards.

Cricket and the Island’s Unique Charm

Playing cricket on Vis is unlike anywhere else. The ground, known as the Sir William Hoste Ground, is nestled amid vineyards and vegetable patches, with thistles and other natural obstacles challenging fielders. Lost balls often lead to amusing forays into the vines, sometimes accompanied by the sweet reward of fresh grapes. Even the scoreboard is creatively mounted on converted wine barrels, reflecting the island’s rich viticultural heritage1.

A Growing Cricket Culture

Support from the European Cricket Council and visiting teams has helped sustain cricket on Vis. Equipment donations and coaching have boosted the local game, while the island’s isolated, small community has allowed cricket to embed itself more deeply than on the Croatian mainland.

Conclusion

Cricket on the island of Vis is a remarkable example of how a sport can transcend its origins and become part of a community’s identity in unexpected places. From its Napoleonic War beginnings to modern international tournaments, cricket on Vis is a testament to the island’s unique history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a curious traveler, Vis offers a charming and unforgettable cricket experience, set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic Sea.

Further reading:

The Best Cricket Club That You’ve Never Heard Of – YouTube

10 things to do and see on the stunning Croatian Island of Vis

More from our blog:

The Forgotten Cities of Dalmatia: A Lost Chapter of Ancient History

The forgotten cities of Dalmatia reveal a lost chapter of ancient history overshadowed by Roman conquest and deliberate erasure. In the last two centuries BCE, Rome subdued Dalmatia and enforced damnatio memoriae — a policy that wiped the memory of Illyrian strongholds like Delminium, Arduba, and Andetrium from public consciousness. Marked by tragic collective suicides and nearly two centuries of Illyrian-Roman wars, this era embodies resistance, cultural transformation, and the complex roots of Dalmatia’s identity. Today, ongoing research and evocative works such as Natalija Princi’s bring these shadowed histories back into the light, reconnecting us with a region shaped by conflict, resilience, and rich intercultural exchange.