Island Files: Nicholas Brookes on Cricket, Culture, and Community in Sri Lanka
In this episode of 'Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot', we dive into the compelling journey of Nicholas Brookes, a journalist, ghostwriter and the author of the multi-award-winning 'An Island's Eleven: The Story of Sri Lankan Cricket'. He has covered sport, travel and culture for publications including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and Middle East Eye, and podcasts regularly on Sri Lankan cricket for The Murali End. He is currently working on a biography of Jasprit Bumrah and co-authoring a book with the Sri Lankan chef Rishi Naleendra.
Nick discusses how he moved to Sri Lanka as a young man to explore its cricket culture, a project that culminated in his critically acclaimed book, 'An Island's 11'. His conversation covers his unexpected career path, his experiences living and teaching in Sri Lanka, and how cricket became more than just a sport to the nation, especially during tumultuous political times. We also touch upon gender politics, the rise of women's cricket, and the rich, communal culture of the island, from food stalls to vibrant community games. Nick illustrates how cricket transcends boundaries, fostering unity and healing amidst division.
01:09 Guest Introduction: Nicholas Brook
04:22 Nick's Journey to Sri Lanka
09:35 Living and Teaching in Sri Lanka
20:58 Writing the Book: An Island's Eleven
25:41 The Rise of Cricket in Sri Lanka
32:49 Unity in Turbulent Times: Sri Lanka's Cricket Symbolism
34:18 Impact of Cricket Legends on Sri Lankan Cricket
36:32 Rise of Women's Cricket in Sri Lanka
41:37 Volleyball: Sri Lanka's Overlooked National Sport
51:47 Tourism and Cultural Identity in Sri Lanka
55:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Projects
Find Out More on Nicholas Brookes
An Island's Eleven: The Story of Sri Lankan Cricket is MCC/Cricket Society & Wisden Book of the Year.
Now available in the UK and India.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Islands-Eleven-Story-Lankan-Cricket/dp/0750998814
Podcast - The Murali End
Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse
Podcast Themes:
- Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
- Architecture, art, and design
- Sustainability and heritage
- Diaspora experiences and storytelling
Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.
