Cricket has been formally recognised as an official sport in the Balearic Islands, following a resolution issued by the Balearic Government’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports. The decision marks a major milestone for the sport across Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.
The recognition follows more than a year of work and consultation with the Balearic sports authorities and confirms that cricket meets all legal, technical and participation requirements to be recognised as an official sporting discipline within the autonomous community.
The decision unlocks access to institutional support, public funding pathways, formal competition structures and long-term development opportunities for cricket across the islands.
Chad Harwood-Jones, founder of the Mallorca Meerkats Cricket Club, said:
“Having set up the Meerkats over five years ago to meet the growing demand for junior cricket in Mallorca, this is a huge milestone. More than 60 children have already come through the club, we’ve hosted and taken part in multiple tournaments, and participation continues to grow.
This recognition gives cricket a future here. It means we can build proper pathways for young players, work more closely with local institutions, and finally plan with confidence. The future is genuinely exciting.”
Ben Vickers, President of Mallorca Cricket Club, added:
“This is a huge moment. Since losing our ground in 2015, it would have been easy to give up, but the club has kept going because the demand for cricket in Mallorca has never gone away.
We remain fully committed to establishing a permanent ground, and this recognition is a major step forward in that journey. It strengthens our position as we work towards finding a long-term home for cricket in Mallorca, one that allows us to meet local demand and welcome teams from across the Balearics and international sides.”
Alongside this recognition, Mallorca Cricket Club continues to explore options for a permanent cricket facility, with official status significantly strengthening discussions with local authorities and landowners. The aim is to identify a suitably sized, flat site that can support training, junior development and competitive matches, while also serving as a community sports asset. While securing such a space is challenging, the official recognition of cricket supports discussions with local authorities and landowners.
Cricket has a long and established history across the islands, particularly through inter-island competition.
Dan Osterbery, Chairman of Menorca Cricket Club, said:
“This is really great news and a long time coming. Cricket has been played in the Balearics for more than 40 years, and Menorca has welcomed teams from all over the world while also becoming a valued part of the local community through events and summer camps.
It’s a testament to the teams, volunteers and players who have kept cricket alive across the islands for decades. Nobody handed us this achievement. It’s been earned, and it’s thoroughly deserved.”
Nobody handed us this achievement. It’s been earned, and it’s thoroughly deserved.”
With official recognition now secured, clubs across the Balearics will continue discussions with local authorities around facilities, youth development, community programmes and inter-island competition.