Diary of a global cricket traveller
Gary Millis spent the last three months of 2024 hosting ICT tours all over the world, here are his memories…
Seventy-six days, three continents, red and white-cricket. All in one amazing trip.
My journey started way back in early October, when I left the grey skies of London behind and headed for the warmth and occasional smog of Pakistan.
On our previous visit, two years ago, we were new to the locals and were often mobbed for selfies; it was a little like being famous.
This time I was asked for my photograph much less often (I didn’t take any offence, promise), but the people remained extremely friendly and very proud of their country.
In each of the first two days of the first Test we were approached for an interview, surrounded by locals who seemed very pleased to see us and took turns vigorously shaking our hands as the cameraman was trying to frame us up.
We both loved the experience, and we couldn’t wait to the interview aired! Sadly it ended up on the cutting-room floor and our media career was over after 48 hours. The match itself will live long in the memory for those who were there, with records tumbling and England making a remarkable 823 for 7 declared in their first innings.
In between the cricket we visited forts, countless tombs and acres of gardens going back hundreds of years.
We visited two very different kilns, where you picture the sight of men crafting in very basic conditions.
It was an extraordinary experience. Pakistan was as interesting as my last visit. Nothing has really changed: the roads are chaotic and dusty, there are vibrant colours everywhere and the people just trying to survive and earn a few rupees.
After a record-breaking first Test, England were spun out and went on to lose the series 2-1.
I for Gatwick where I had an overnight stay in an airport hotel before travelling to the Caribbean.
Amazing Antigua
We started this part of the tour in Antigua. There, the island’s slogan is very evident on arrival: “the beach is just the beginning”.
We took in the spectacular views from Shirley Heights and the dockyard where Nelson landed back in 1784. It was abandoned by the British in 1789, and later restored. Today, it is one of the most beautiful harbours in the West Indies.
The island is predominantly very green with mountains and a small rainforest in the centre, surrounded with golden beaches and turquoise seas begging you to venture in.
Our event was at Siboney Hotel in Dickinson Bay where I had the pleasure of interviewing Carlos Brathwaite, the former West Indies captain followed by a game of heads or tails with an array of signed prizes.
It was the first time we have added this, and it certainly added drama to the evening.
I spent hours researching these questions, as I did on the rest of the tour, but everyone seemed to enjoy them.
After many gatherings we left Antigua for my favourite island, Barbados.
Beautiful Barbados
Oistins on Friday seems to be a favourite among locals and tourists. The island offers many distilleries, and a brewery, all of which are worth a visit.
Bridgetown is a thriving hub. Its bustling array of shops can keep you occupied for hours, and if you want to stretch your legs, you can take on the fabulous boardwalk which runs along past the houses of Parliament, the museum and Heroes Square where we boarded the Cool Runnings Catamaran on a party cruise past the working harbour then along the West Coast (and of course a magical stop to swim with turtles).
We had our event at Copacabana Beach Club. However, the weather did put a damper on it when a storm broke with as much rain as I’ve seen in my 25 visits to the island.
I should had been intervening Des Haynes and Brian Lara but Brian could not make it because he was trapped LBW by the weather. This meant I had to ad lib the questions, but having known Des for eight years I knew enough about his cricketing career to get through.
The last of the ODIs was played at Kensington Oval, with West Indies coming out 2-1 series winners.
What I love about going to the Caribbean before a match is the national anthems and the battle cry ‘Rally Round the West Indies’.
This is a classic calypso song that Rudder first released in 1989. Written during a challenging period for the West Indies cricket team, the song aimed to inspire and uplift the spirits of cricket fans across the Caribbean. It is incredibly catchy, and often gives me goosebumps.
After two ODIs and a T20I my time in the Caribbean was up, and the following day I flew to London for one night.
Twenty-four hours later, I flew to Auckland, New Zealand to meet a very good client and friend Bruce for a pre-tour tour, taking turns driving to Rotorua, Lake Taupō, and Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa.
Sightseeing in New Zealand
The most spectacular stop came in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. It was an incredible walk, with wildlife aplenty and incredible views – the pick of which was a steamy, nearly-turquoise pool (we couldn’t describe the colour): it was a marvel to see.
We also witnessed the Hukka Falls, and visited Wanganui before heading to Mt Cleese: a rubbish dump named after the famous British comedian John, who said if anyone was thinking of suicide they should visit Palmerston North.
After the pre-tour tour, we drove to Wellington and caught a flight to Christchurch. We were there three nights before the clients began to arrive and stayed a further eight at the Heritage Hotel.
Here Bruce had me as his personal tour manager, showing him all the sights before everyone else arrived. I also gave all our clients new and old details on what to see and do while we were there.
After showing Bruce around, he quickly fitted into the role of being my personal butler. Not bad as he is a guest, and of course good friend.
The weather in Christchurch had a lot of similarities with England in spring: cold a lot of the time then a change and we were slapping on the suncream. Christchurch is one of my favourite cities in New Zealand.
The impact of the 2011 earthquake is still very evident, with the cathedral restoration stopped as the government won’t give any more money to the project so they are looking for donations.
Our new friend Chas gave us a guided tour of the Cardboard Cathedral, which was very entertaining but I had to show Bruce the CTV Memorial Gardens, Quake City, Memorial Wall and a trip on the tram.
Every night I took guests for dinner and we found a gem of a pub, The Church, which certainly would get more parishioners on a Sunday.
After a thrilling Test (which England won) we left Christchurch for the Picton Ferry, stopping two nights at Nelson and relaxing in the Hamner Springs before catching the boat to Wellington.
Windy Wellington
Here our main tour event was at Leroy’s where I interviewed Steve Harmison, covering all topics of cricket and the infamous wide at Brisbane.
Windy Wellington greeted us with a variety of weather and we managed to cover most of Wellington’s sites and organised lots of dinners. A comfortable win at the Basin Reserve capped off a great time.
We left Wellington on the Northern Explorer to Hamilton where the weather was beautiful throughout. The same could sadly not be said about the cricket, but due to the early finish it made for a fine last-day trip to the zoo and Hamilton Gardens.
And so a tour like no other came to an end. What on earth am I going to do now?
I have enjoyed making so many memories, eating so many excellent dinners in terrific company, and experiencing a host of activities and adventures.
If you would like an experience of a lifetime, get in touch. ICT are back in New Zealand next autumn for a men’s white-ball tour.
We still have places available in India next month and are very busy with The Ashes, and we can’t wait to welcome you on a tour very soon.
All that remains from me is to say have a great Christmas, and a prosperous and safe new year, from all the team at International Cricket Tours.
Gary, Richard, Sara, Nick and Ed
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