Split and its surrounding areas have always been a great hub for domestic cricket players. Sir Oliver Split is one of the oldest and most important clubs in the country and has, in the last couple of years, seen an increase in its members and activities. One of the few people we can attribute this to is definitely Anthony Razmilić.
CCF: Tell us a little bit about yourself Anthony and how you got in to cricket in Croatia?
To be honest, I got into cricket in Croatia by complete accident. I was at a business meeting with Sam Houghton, the captain of the Split Cricket Club, and during our conversation, he asked if I’d ever thought about playing cricket. Since I was born in South Africa, I knew a bit about the sport, but I’d always been more into boxing and football. Still, I figured, why not give it a try?
A few weeks later, we met up for my first practice session, and I’ll admit, I was a bit surprised to see there were only four of us there. After the session, Sam explained that cricket didn’t have many players in Split and that he was trying to revive the team. I could see his commitment and realized he needed help to make this happen.
So, we started a WhatsApp group to connect with other players, and I decided to step in and run the practice sessions. I noticed that while there was a lot of enthusiasm, there wasn’t much structure. We’d just play a bit, but there wasn’t a plan or a focus on building skills. So, I took it upon myself to introduce some organization—giving everyone roles, structuring the sessions, and fostering leadership within the team. And that’s how I found myself getting into cricket here in Croatia.”
CCF: You have taken on one of the lead roles in the SOS cricket club this year. What was the reason for this and how are your plans coming along?
Taking on a leadership role at the SOS Cricket Club felt like a natural step, as I’ve always been invested in helping the team reach its full potential. I’m committed to enhancing our team dynamics, improving our training regimen, and setting a clear vision for our growth.
The plans are shaping up nicely—since stepping into the role, we’ve structured our training sessions to emphasize skill-building and teamwork, and we’re already seeing some encouraging improvements. We’re also working on outreach initiatives to strengthen ties with the community and attract new supporters and players. It’s been a rewarding experience so far, and I’m excited about where we’re headed.”
CCF: We will be free to say that you surprised many by winning this years ECS Croatia event. Tell us about this experience and what were your highlights?
Winning the ECS Croatia event was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Heading into the tournament, we knew many people considered us underdogs, but we were determined. We put in the hard work, dedication, and preparation as a team, and we came ready to face any challenge. We respected all our opponents but feared none.
The tournament was truly special, but one of my personal highlights was during the finals against the Assassins. When we secured the first wicket with a crucial catch, it set the tone for our entire performance. That moment gave our team the momentum we needed to push forward. Even today, I get chills watching it on YouTube and hearing the commentator’s words: “Big moments bring big players, and it’s Razmilic who delivers!”
That call and the excitement surrounding it still give me goosebumps.
CCF: What’s next in store for SOS? As we understand, you have a chidrens program running in the area. Will we see any of these youngster joining the team in the following years? Also, are you thinking about forming a womens team to give the girls in Zagreb a run for their money?
Our current focus is on strengthening our performance in the domestic league. We want to keep our players in top shape and aim for a successful season. As for our youth program, we’re actively working to promote cricket as a sport in Croatia. We’ve already visited several schools and are excited to see some of these youngsters joining our practices soon.
When it comes to a women’s team, we do have plans for the future. Establishing a strong women’s side is definitely on the horizon, but it will be a significant task. Right now, my priority is solidifying the men’s senior team. Once we’ve built a strong foundation there, I’ll shift my attention to making the women’s team a reality. It’s a challenge I’m ready to
take on, but one step at a time.
CCF: Will you continue to play on the Resnik cricket ground? We presume that the location of the ground along with the nice weather throughout the year attracts foreign teams for some touring matches?
Yes, we definitely plan to continue playing at the Resnik Cricket Ground. Just last week, the captain, Sam, and I met with the hotel director, who gave us the green light to keep using our home ground. He also approved our plans to build cricket nets and take responsibility for maintaining the pitch ourselves. The ground is beautiful, and its stunning location, combined with the excellent weather year-round, makes it an ideal destination. We’re excited about the opportunity to host touring teams and are hopeful
that we can organize cricket events in Split in the future.
CCF: Last year you made your debut match for the Croatian national team. What does that mean to you?
Making my debut for the Croatian national team was one of the proudest moments of my life. There’s truly no better feeling than representing your country. If you had told me six months ago that I would be playing for the national team, I wouldn’t have believed it. It was incredibly rewarding to see my hard work and dedication to the sport being recognized. Getting called up felt like the perfect cherry on top.
CCF: Who is your favourite cricket player and why?
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite cricket player yet, as I’m still relatively new to the sport and haven’t had the chance to watch much professional cricket. However, I’d like to give a shout-out to all the dedicated players and teams in Croatia. Your hard work and passion for the game are truly inspiring. Keep it up!”