Monfalcone, a northern Italian town, has effectively banned cricket, sparking controversy in a community where a third of the population is of Bangladeshi origin. While officials cite safety concerns over property damage and injuries, critics argue the move reflects deeper tensions involving immigrant communities and local governance.

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• Monfalcone, in northeastern Italy, has over 28,000 residents, a third of whom are Bangladeshi.
• Bangladeshi men, mostly working in a shipyard, are passionate about cricket.
• Local police began fining people for playing cricket in public spaces.
• Ex-Mayor Anna Maria Cisint claims the fines are for public safety, not targeting immigrants.
• The Democratic Party (PD) councillor alleges cricket is “practically banned.”
• Nearby towns under PD governance hosted cricket tournaments without issues.
• Ms. Cisint removed benches frequented by Bangladeshis and restricted prayers in Islamic centers.
• Courts overturned the prayer ban, but community tensions remain.
• Ms. Cisint’s policies have bolstered her political career; she now holds a seat in the European Parliament.
• Critics say the restrictions reveal underlying biases against Monfalcone’s immigrant population.