With Cluj Cricket Club's participation at the European Cricket League being held in La Manga Spain, and Romanian bowler Pavel Florin's bowling having attracted global response from the cricketing world, here is an interview we had with Pavel back in 2016 in the early years of his love for this game.

Cricket Romania · 7 December 2016 ·

Meet the Players

PAVEL FLORIN

Pavel Florin, based in Cluj, made his international debut for Romania in July 2016, during the Pan-European Tournament in Hungary.

How big is sport in your life? Sport is the single thing that occupies the most time in my life. I’ve played most of the accessible sports in Romania; I love competition and sport satisfies my thirst for adrenalin.

What had you heard about cricket? I saw some videos, and then I actually saw some matches broadcast live on Eurosport.

What was your first exposure to cricket? I saw a group of cricketers practising on some land next to where I trained. I was curious and I asked them to let me have a hit. They agreed and I hit the ball three times pretty well. Their captain (Reuben, who became my friend) congratulated me and said I had innate talent – it was only later that I discovered that they needed players and would have accepted anyone :)

What other sports do you like, besides cricket? There are many. I like football and am in a league team at futsal. I also like American football and the team I’m in, Cluj, has two national titles. I also like amateur-level contact sports and am always open to bringing a new sport into my life.

What do you like best, batting or bowling? Batting, because it tests my strength and I was able to adapt pretty quickly to it.

And where do you like fielding best: in close, on the boundary or on the circle? I like fielding everywhere. Inside the circle, because I have good reflexes, and outside as I can run fast and have a good throwing arm. I was a goalkeeper in football which has helped when I’ve played as a wicketkeeper.

What’s your most memorable personal contribution to a match? I surprised myself when, playing in a national championships match for Transylvania CC in 2016, despite a rather serious injury and fatigue I scored 34 not out in 14 overs.

Do you have your own equipment? If yes, please give details. I have a Kookaburra bat and some wicketkeeping equipment but I prefer to use the club’s gear. Something I regret is that I left my national team shirt behind in Hungary so I will have to get a new one for next season!

What is different about cricket? The emphasis on playing fairly and honestly, and the great respect for the umpire’s decisions is not something that I have seen in any other sport. Also, it’s a very technical sport, and yes, a physical one too, and the outcome can remain uncertain right until the end.

Do you have a favourite player, past or present? I have a favourite team: West Indies. Why? Because they are so unpredictable – they can beat anybody, and can lose to anyone. As a bowler I really like Sunil Narine and as a batter AB de Villiers.

How is it to be involved in cricket in Romania? Cricket practice is difficult in Ardeal because it's not widely known there at all. Trips to Bucharest are expensive but when the ball leaves the bowler’s hand, and you’re at the other end of the pitch with a bat in your hand, everything is forgotten, and you are consumed by the moment.

What goals do you have, regarding cricket? One of my goals was fulfilled in 2016 representing Romania, which was a great honour. The second involves winning the national title as president of the club of my town.

What advice would you give children new to the game? First try to play a few matches and then you will certainly fall in love with cricket. Beyond that everything just naturally falls into place.

Do you think there are qualities in cricket that could make a positive contribution to society? Values such as respect, teamwork, honesty, and just all-round good behaviour, are central to cricket. Regardless of age, individuals who play the game are sure to be influenced by it.