From Phagwara to Italy: The Inspirational Journey of Jaspreet Singh

By G Unnikrishnan

Chennai- “Chalo! Hum Hindi mein baat karenge (let’s talk in Hindi).” One won’t get to hear that line often ahead of an interview with an Italian cricketer.

However, Jaspreet Singh has managed to keep his roots alive despite moving to Bergamo, Italy, at the age of 10. His parents, Tirath Singh and Jasvir Kaur, made the bold move to start a new life in an unfamiliar town as factory workers.

Reflecting on his early days in Italy, Jaspreet shared, “It was a big day for my family when we got the chance to migrate to Italy. But we were a bit anxious too as it was a new country, new language, and new culture. Everything was new for us. But I was thinking about how to play cricket which I used to do as a kid in my town.”

Transitioning to Italy, a country not known for its cricketing infrastructure, was indeed challenging for the young cricketer. Despite the lack of proper facilities, Jaspreet joined the local Bergamo Cricket Club and even completed an electrician course to support his family.

With the support of Indian expats in the area, Jaspreet found his way to England to play on turf wickets. To sustain himself, he worked as an Uber driver in Birmingham, showcasing his determination to pursue his passion for cricket.

His efforts bore fruit when he made his debut for Italy against Norway in 2019. Italy’s journey to the T20 World Cup in 2024 was cut short by a narrow defeat against Ireland, but they eventually secured their spot by winning the European Regional Qualifiers in June 2025.

Expressing his pride, Jaspreet said, “This team has been the same for the last three to four years. Everyone knows each other and everyone knows their role. And we are still working very hard. We have not only come to participate in the World Cup, we have also come to compete.”

Returning to India not only signifies a homecoming for Jaspreet but also a chance to experience the world-class cricketing facilities in the country. Playing at iconic grounds like Chidambaram Stadium, Eden Gardens, and Wankhede holds a special significance for him.

Furthermore, Jaspreet emphasized the importance of adapting to Indian conditions and stadium dimensions to enhance their performance. He also hoped that the exposure to top-notch facilities in India would benefit the Italian cricket system in the long run.

As the team continues their journey across different Indian cities, Jaspreet remains optimistic about leaving a lasting impact both on and off the field. He believes that such opportunities are rare and hopes to make the most out of them.