Pavel Florin: Cricket’s latest sensation goes viral
Meet Pavel Florin – a Romanian bodyguard-turned-cricketer who has taken the internet by storm in the last few days. The 40-year-old spin bowler grabbed eyeballs with his unusual bowling action in the ongoing European T10 Cricket League in Spain.
In a match between the Dreux Cricket Club and Florin’s Cluj Cricket Club on Tuesday, the spinner was seen bowling extremely loopy deliveries with one arm. The batsman on strike had to wait for the longest time before he could hit the ball. A video clip from the match went viral on Twitter and Florin instantly became the talk of the town.
Breaking. Pavel #Florin recently broke a leg, but no way missing #ECL19. Still in recovery, heavy strapping. Big Pav we salute you! ? #legend pic.twitter.com/PlA8qkbTRh
— European Cricket League (@EuropeanCricket) July 30, 2019
Who is Pavel Florin?
Until six years ago, Pavel Florin was a bodyguard by profession and had nothing to do with cricket. It was only after his son showed interest that he got involved in the game at the age of 32. Soon, he became a player and then the President of the Cluj Cricket Club, reportedly travelling 500 kilometres to play cricket. Florin led his club to the Romania T20 title, eventually helping them qualify for the ECL T10. A serious leg injury didn’t stop him from participating in the tournament. With a heavy strapping around his leg, Florin continues to enthral cricket fans around the world.
Mixed reactions
However, Florin’s bowling style didn’t please everyone, with people accusing the Romanian of bringing the game into disrepute. Some even made fun of his bowling style. On the other hand, many had words of encouragement for him, including former England cricketer Dimitri Mascarenhas and Australia’s Shane Warne.
Agree 100% ! Cricket is a beautiful game. Well done and congrats to everyone who made this happen. I would love to check this tournament out next year & help out, if you need a helping hand then hit me up ! Congrats again ? https://t.co/vgjMwJ5S0A
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 30, 2019
Australia’s Fox Cricket posted a rather sarcastic tweet in response to the video but it came back to haunt them and how!
Thanks chaps for your interest. Our loyal followers might find some footage of cricketers buying sandpaper https://t.co/lhhkqu5I1I
— European Cricket League (@EuropeanCricket) July 30, 2019
“I don’t care”
Unfazed by criticism, Florin continues to be a symbol of hope with nothing but sheer love for the game. Here’s what he had to say about the incident that brought him into sudden limelight.
“My bowling is not beautiful. But I don’t care, because I love cricket” Cluj Cricket Club Player President, Pavel Florin at the #ECL19 @FOXSportsAUS @FoxCricket @gradecricketer @CricketRomania @dimimascarenhas @ShaneWarne @cambo_19 @icc_europe @LovellLowdown @juniorwaugh349 pic.twitter.com/9lSStI28sZ
— European Cricket League (@EuropeanCricket) July 30, 2019
