European Cricket Stories Ep.59 | Empire CC and Finland’s Cricket Journey 🇫🇮

Episode 59 of European Cricket Stories heads north to Finland and the remarkable story of Empire Cricket Club. 🎙️ Hosted by Vinny Sandhu, this episode features Jordan O’Brien and Vanraaj Padhaal, representing Finland at the European Cricket League as one of the country’s most established and community driven clubs. Founded in 2003, Empire Cricket Club began with humble beginnings on gravel grounds covered by coconut mats, built by people who simply wanted to create a sense of community through cricket. Over the years, the club has grown into one of Finland’s leading cricket organisations while maintaining the welcoming culture that defined it from the start. Vanraaj shares how rediscovering cricket in Finland after more than a decade away from the game immediately pulled him back in. What he found was more than just a club, it was a multicultural family made up of players from across the world united by a shared love for cricket and life in Finland. Jordan reflects on his own cricket journey from Australia to Finland, a move inspired by life circumstances that eventually led him to Empire CC. Now captaining the club at the ECL, he talks about adapting to the fast paced T10 format and the challenge of leading a side where teamwork and trust are essential. The episode also highlights the people behind the scenes who helped shape Empire Cricket Club over two decades. Volunteers, organisers and long serving members built the foundation that allowed the club to grow into what it is today. There is also an emotional tribute to founding figure Joe Hadley, whose contribution to the club remains deeply respected as he battles illness. Looking toward the future, the conversation focuses on the growth of cricket in Finland. Clubs are increasingly building junior structures, women’s teams and stronger community connections. The goal is not simply to create teams, but sustainable clubs that can support future generations and help cricket continue expanding across the country. This episode captures the spirit of grassroots cricket in Europe, where friendship, diversity and community are just as important as results on the field. 👉 Subscribe now and follow the European cricket journey. #EuropeanCricket #StrongerTogether #CricketFinland