CIR Life & Luxury
Cambodia’s business and expat communities came together for a day of sport, networking, and social engagement at the Family Fun Day of Cricket, held at Northbridge International School Cambodia on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The event, attended by over 100 players and spectators, brought together professionals, business leaders, and diplomats, including the British Ambassador, for a day that blended competition with camaraderie.
Organized with support from the British Chamber of Commerce Cambodia (BritCham) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce Cambodia (AusCham), the gathering reinforced the strong community ties between Cambodia’s corporate and expatriate circles, providing a relaxed yet engaging platform for business and social networking.
Strengthening Business and Social Connections
The event was more than just a cricket match—it was an opportunity for Cambodia’s international and local business community to connect in an informal setting. The day began with a free cricket coaching session for children, led by Etienne Beukes, an international cricket player for Cambodia, encouraging youth participation in the sport.
The social aspect of the event was further enhanced by a variety of food and beverage offerings, including an Aussie-style BBQ lunch courtesy of The Vine Phnom Penh, a British-style beer tent hosted by Hops Craft Beer Garden & Restaurants, and a Wine Bar & Pimm’s Cocktail Tent curated by Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
Children and families enjoyed additional entertainment, including doughnuts by Krispy Kreme Cambodia, a Bouncy Castle by Funlander, Face Painting and arts & crafts by Khraft.
Martin Darby, Executive Director of BritCham Cambodia, noted the importance of such events in fostering professional and social connections. “This was more than just a sporting occasion—it was a platform for the business community to come together in a social environment, strengthening relationships in a way that extends beyond the boardroom.”
Ashley Irving, President of AusCham Cambodia, echoed the sentiment, adding, “The success of today’s event highlights the strength and collaboration of Cambodia’s international business community. Events like these reinforce the importance of building meaningful relationships through shared experiences.”
A Competitive Tournament: The Cambodian Cricket Ashes
At the heart of the event was the Cambodian Cricket Ashes, a tournament that featured spirited competition among teams eager to claim the title.
Table A Highlights
Team Tom Jolly dominated Table A, securing two decisive victories. They first defeated Northbridge A (74 to 44) before overpowering Team Syed (80 to 36) to earn their place in the final. Despite a tough start, Team Syed ended their campaign on a high note, defeating Northbridge A (93 to 60).
Table B Standouts
In Table B, Team Sri Lanka and Team Dewhurst were the standout performers. Team Sri Lanka opened with a commanding win over Northbridge B (68 to 34), while Team Dewhurst also overcame Northbridge B (68 to 47). In the deciding match, Team Sri Lanka edged out Team Dewhurst by just one run (47 to 46), securing their spot in the final against Team Tom Jolly.
A Dramatic Final: Team Sri Lanka Claims the Title
The final match between Team Tom Jolly and Team Sri Lanka was a thrilling contest. Team Tom Jolly set a strong total of 70 runs, putting their opponents under pressure. However, in a dramatic final over, Team Sri Lanka required 12 runs from six balls. With remarkable composure, their batsmen hit two consecutive sixes, sealing a memorable victory with four balls to spare.
With a final score of 71 to 70, Team Sri Lanka lifted the Cambodian Cricket Ashes trophy, capping off a day that highlighted not only sporting excellence but also the unity and collaboration within Cambodia’s professional and expatriate circles.
A Celebration of Sport, Business, and Community
The Family Fun Day of Cricket was a testament to the strength of Cambodia’s business and expat communities, offering a unique setting where corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals could build relationships beyond formal business settings. The event’s success has already sparked discussions about future editions, reinforcing its value as a key networking and social engagement opportunity in Phnom Penh.
As Cambodia’s international business community continues to grow, events like this play an essential role in strengthening connections, fostering new partnerships, and celebrating the shared experiences that bring professionals together in a meaningful way.
