Kinrara Oval ready to handle Sea Games demands
THE Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) are confident that the Kinrara Oval wicket will be able to stand up to the rigours of the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games competition.
Cricket offers three gold medals in the men’s and women’s Twenty20 and men’s 50-overs competitions which are packed into 13 days of action from Aug 1729, all at Kinrara Oval.
The cricket competition is the second longest in duration at the Sea Games, after the 14-day long sepak takraw tournament.
MCA president Mahinda Vallipuram said the venue is ready to host the tournament after being closed for six weeks in June and July to allow the top dressing of the wicket with Darwin clay.
“We do the top dressing every year and for this year we did it ahead of the Sea Games to make sure the wicket is ready and able to withstand the demands of the tournament,” said Vallipuram at the Kinrara Oval in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.
“The field is also accredited by the International Cricket Council and should it rain during the competition, the Kinrara Oval is best equipped to handle the effects of the weather.
“Another benefit is the floodlights here which allow us to hold matches at night,” he said.
For cricket fans, the 34 matches will be a welcome delight with certain days hosting up to four games with seating capacity temporarily increased to 1,000.
Meanwhile, MCA signed a memorandum of understanding with Felcra Training and Consultancy (FTC) to help administration officials and cricket players develop leadership skills, strengthen mind sets and effect strong and effective business skills.
“We are excited that cricket can truly be a game where Malaysia can excel. The Sports Ministry has worked hand-inhand with us.
“We are holding three events and to have cricket in the Sea Games is a big step for us. In order to fulfil our objectives, we need to achieve some goals today and also those in the long-term,” added Vallipuram, after signing the agreement with FTC managing director Rohaizat Ahmad. Devinder Singh