GUERNSEY’S cricketers could be in east Africa this year. An added bonus from the ICC inspectors’ visit this week was the possibility of a Sarnian team touring Kenya.
Chairman of Cricket Kenya Samir Inamdar has invited the Sarnians to his home country, possibly to play the Kenyan A team and also neighbouring associate countries Uganda and Tanzania.
‘It is good for players to see a different part of the world and experience different cultures,’ he said. ‘[As time goes on as an ICC member] you will see that it will open a completely new vista. Not only in Europe, but you will get a lot of opportunities to play Asian, African, American associates.’
Inamdar was particularly impressed by the administration of island cricket and also the way the youth players are provided for.
‘I am going away with a very positive view of what I have seen.
‘This step up [from affiliate to associate membership] would give a tremendous boost to Guernsey cricket, not only in finance terms, but in terms of the level of competition it would open up. That generates more interest all round – from players to sponsors to the local government.
‘I have to give great credit to what is going on here. The island applied for affiliate membership in 2005 and in the space of three short years, there are opportunities here that are far better than many existing associate countries.’
In his European role, Richard Holdsworth ensured that the island had everything in place to apply for associate membership.
‘A very good impression has been made [this week], although I was slightly biased because I am well aware of the culture and passion of cricket that exist here,’ he said.
‘The whole operation over here is excellent. The support from the clubs and the volunteers, which is very important to have, is great and there is a good structure in place.’
Guernsey Cricket Board chairman Dave Piesing was delighted with how the inspection had gone.
‘We are looking forward to a positive outcome. Fingers crossed that we will get it,’ he said.
‘We have said and done all we can and presented cricket in its true light in Guernsey.
‘It has also made me realise how strong our team and infrastructure is here. We have a deep pool full of committed and passionbate people, all working to achieve a very desirable outcome.’
As for the possible Kenyan trip, Piesing said:
‘We’ve seen from [our links with] Bermuda and Namibia that there are good relationships to have there.’
But for it to happen, much depends on timing and the likelihood would be of sending a developoment team as opposed to the full island side which already have a busy year ahead.
Loading ...
Share this article:
What are these?