OpinionLeft Field: Shame on ICC for pulling plug on Asian Cricket Council
Dismantling the Asian Cricket Council appears to be a financially driven move, sending more funds to the 'Big Three'
It is a shame the International Cricket Council does not share the vision and the passion shown by Hong Kong, which is championing the push of cricket into China. While the Hong Kong Cricket Association, in its small way, is trying to promote the game in the mainland, the world governing body is not really keen on globalising the game, as seen by its decision to shut down the Asian Cricket Council.
The ACC was set up in 1983 to promote the sport in the region. It has done an admirable job and helped develop the sport in countries across the vast continent.
Afghanistan, the leading associate from Asia, would not have got where they are today if not for ACC help initially. Similarly, other leading associates such as the United Arab Emirates, Nepal and even Hong Kong to a lesser extent, have benefited.
For people like Srinivasan, the bottom line is profit. Cricket is a money game to them
In China, the ACC has taken an active role. It has been fully supportive of Hong Kong's bid to develop the game. Only last week, a 12-strong delegation from the China Cricket Association, including officials from Fujian, Shandong, Zhejiang and Guangzhou as well as the city of Chongqing, arrived in Hong Kong for a three-day exchange tour.
"The whole visit is part of our agreed strategy of supporting the growth of the game within the local community [in Hong Kong] and helping and pushing where we can with a similar programme throughout China," said HKCA chairman Mike Walsh.
While the HKCA has been at the forefront, others such as Craigengower Cricket Club and Hong Kong Cricket Club have also been prominent in pushing the boundaries on the mainland.
The CCC is identified as the face of Chinese cricket in Hong Kong and backs words with deeds by providing an indoor facility, which is also used as the training base for the Hong Kong women's team, the HKCA Dragons and Pioneers. It has raised HK$300,000 over the past two years to help develop local Chinese players.