Russia refuses to recognise cricket as a sport just days after England win the World Cup

Russia has refused to recognise cricket as an official sport in a decision announced just a day after England’s victory at the Cricket World Cup.

The sport will not get any support from Russia’s sports ministry- yet minor sports including model plane flying, draughts and petanque were included on the list. 

One official noted there was not enough regional cricket branches in the country for recognition, the Tass News Agency reported.  

Another cricket official said the sport was knocked off the list because of ‘technical issues’ with the paperwork after filing an application form.

Russian news site RT wrote that the decision ‘had come as a surprise’ and noted ‘that could change’ after a Moscow Cricket Federation member vowed to submit an application for the following year.  

An official announcement came on Monday morning while England supporters were still celebrating their victory on Sunday. 

Sports that have been recognised for support from the Russian sports ministry even includes mini-golf. A stock image is pictured above

Cricket World Cup fans are pictured celebrating in a fountain at Trafalgar Square, London, after England’s Cricket World Cup win. 

Hundreds of fans had gathered to watch the Cricket World Cup final live stream on Sunday in Trafalgar Square. 

The England cricket team met outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May in 10 Downing Street this week. She hit out at Russian President Vladamir Putin on Wednesday in her last at-length speech as Prime Minister

The England cricket team met outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May in 10 Downing Street this week.

Theresa May also hit out at Russian President Vladamir Putin on Wednesday in her last at-length speech as Prime Minister, saying he expressed a ‘cynical falsehood’ when he had earlier said that the ‘liberal idea has become obsolete’.

She said: ‘The fact that he (President Putin) feels emboldened to utter it today indicates the challenge we face as we seek to defend our values’.

England supporters were jubilant when their win was announced after a fraught match in the final against New Zealand.

Sports that have been recognised for support from the Russian sports ministry include Pétanque- a boules based game- and draughts. 

Cricket will not get any support from Russia’s sports ministry- yet minor sports including model plane flying, draughts (above) and petanque were included on the list [File photo]