Spain national cricket team

History

Cricket is first recorded as being played in Spain in the year 1809 by soldiers of General Lord Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). During the Peninsular War the soldiers played the game in and around Ciudad Rodrigo, Lugo and Orense. There are many records of the game being played by visiting British land and sea forces, either among themselves or against local British expatriate communities.

The game entered a new era in Spain with the founding of Madrid Cricket Club in 1975. It was based at first on British and Indian players, but soon West Indian and Spanish members joined.

In June 1989, a National Executive Committee was formed and the first steps were taken to unify all of the cricket playing clubs in Spain.

First International Tournament (ECC Trophy/ICC Europe Championships)

Spain played their first tournament in 2001 in Austria. It was the ECC Trophy 2001. They also played their first match of their international cricket history in that tournament. They were in the Seebern Group amongst 2 groups. In their group there were Portugal, Malta, Finland and Sweden. Every match of the tournament was 35 overs.

They played their first match on13 August 2001 at the Seebarn Cricket Centre No 1 Ground, Lower Austria against Portugal. After winning the toss Portugal came down to bat and scored 229/6 in 35 overs. Opener Nadeem Butt scored 69. But due to their slow overrate Spain could play 32 overs. In 32 overs Portugal made 166/7. G Howe made 40 the highest score of Spain's innings. Portuguese bowler Bagvanadaia made 3/19 in 4 overs. So Spain lost their 1st international match against Portugal by 63 runs.

Spain's next matches was against Finland. It was on 14 August 2001 at Seebarn Cricket Centre No. 2 Ground, Lower Austria. After winning toss Spain came down to bat. They made 222/3 in 35 overs. Batsman G Howe made 103 which was the highest of Spain's innings. Finish bowler Scott Thurling took 2/36 in 7 overs. In bowling Spain smashed their opponent Finland. Finland could make 141/9 in 35 overs. Scott Thurling made highest 43 in Finland's innings. G Howe took 3/29 in 7 overs. Spain got a victory of 81 runs and got their first win in international cricket.

2018–present

In April 2018, the ICC decided to grant full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its members. Therefore, all Twenty20 matches played between Spain and other ICC members since 1 January 2019 have been full T20I.

Spain played its first ever T20I against Malta on 29 March 2019, during the 2019 Spain Triangular T20I Series. The match was played at La Manga Club, Murcia, Spain.

Grounds

Tournament history

European Cricket Championship

• 2001: 6th place
• 2003: 7th place
• 2022: 3rd place
• 2023: 3rd place

European Affiliates Championship

• 2005: 3rd place

ICC Europe Division 3 Championship

• 2007: Runners-up
• 2009: 3rd place

Iberia Cup

• 2019: Winners

Current squad

This lists all the players who have played for Spain in the past 12 months or has been part of the latest T20I squad. Updated as of 28 August 2024.

Head coach

Corey Leigh Rutgers (born 28 May 1989 in Footscray, Victoria) is a former Western Australia country and grade cricketer. He was cricket academy head coach for VOC Rotterdam in the Netherlands and also worked as assistant coach for Pakistan Super League team Islamabad United for almost two years.

In August 2019, Rutgers was appointed head coach of the Belgium national cricket team. He resigned in July 2021 after a dispute with Belgium cricket board officials over team selection.

In November 2021, Rutgers signed with the Espana National cricket federation as head coach.

International grounds

Records and statistics

International Match Summary — Spain

Last updated 7 December 2025

Twenty20 International

• Highest team total: 290/3 v Croatia, 7 December 2025 at La Manga Club Ground, Cartagena
• Highest individual score: 160, Mohammad Ihsan v Croatia, 7 December 2025 at La Manga Club Ground, Cartagena{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_innings.html?class=3;id=200;type=team
• Best individual bowling figures: 6/28, Yasir Ali v Croatia, 2 August 2024 at Mladost Cricket Ground, Zagreb{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/best_figures_innings.html?class=3;id=200;type=team

Most T20I runs for Spain

Most T20I wickets for Spain

T20I record versus other nations

Records complete to T20I #3614. Last updated 7 December 2025.

References

• Spain in ICC's Official Site
• ECC Trophy 2001

References

1. (22 June 2017). "Ireland and Afghanistan ICC newest full members amid wide-ranging governance reform". [[International Cricket Council]].
2. (26 April 2018). "All T20 matches between ICC members to get international status". [[International Cricket Council]].
3. "History".
4. "Malta vs Spain, Men's European T20I Tournament (Match-3)". [[International Cricket Council]].
5. "Tournament".
6. (2019-10-24). "National head coach role for ex-Karratha cricketer".
7. (2020-09-03). "Belgium: Back on track and aiming high".
8. (24 July 2021). "Rutgers resigns Belgium role amidst selection turmoil ahead of Austria T20I series". Emerging Cricket.
9. "COREY RUTGERS NAMED THE NEW COACH OF CRICKET ESPAÑA – Cricket Spain".
10. "Records / Spain / Twenty20 Internationals / Result summary". [[ESPNcricinfo]].
11. "Records / Spain / Twenty20 Internationals / Highest totals". ESPNcricinfo.
12. "Records / Spain / Twenty20 Internationals / Most runs". [[ESPNcricinfo]].
13. "Records / Spain / Twenty20 Internationals / Most wickets". [[ESPNcricinfo]].