China a priority for world cricket with ICC officials set to map out major development programmes
Hong Kong can play a role in helping to grow the game in the mainland with Olympic Gamess inclusion key to its success
The International Cricket Council has made the development of cricket in China a priority, with possible Olympic inclusion crucial to the future of the sport in the mainland.
Cricket Hong Kong chairman John Cribbin recently returned from an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in which the governing body’s regional development manager Aminul Islam highlighted the need to focus more on growing the game in China.
“The ICC development manager has just been on a fact-finding mission in China and has introduced a report on the state or play and prospects for the future,” said Cribbin.
“This has been well received by the ICC and while so far there are no real facts and figures, the ICC, in association with the Asian Cricket Council and full members in Asia, are determined that China is a priority for development.”
Islam is due to expand on his findings at an ICC meeting in June when the body is expected to begin outlining its plans to popularise the sport in China.
There are around 85,000 registered cricketers in China and the national team have been active for more than a decade. However, their men’s team have struggled and last month suffered a 390-defeat by Saudi Arabia in an ICC World Cricket League regional match in Thailand, having been bowled out for record-low 28.
