STRONG ASSURANCE

There will always be a home for Malaysian cricket, says deputy sports minister

DEPUTY Sports Minister Steven Sim has assured the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) that they will “always have a home” for cricket. In his speech during the MCA gala dinner in conjunction with the Pakistan versus Australia Women’s Cricket Series at the Kinrara Oval on Tuesday, Sim said he has initiated an investigation into the ground’s history in order to put the matter to rest.

“I have initiated an investigation with the local councils as well as with the ministry to look into the history of this issue. As I have said, this is a legacy problem and we want to ensure that no party will turn up aggrieved at the end of the day.

“My final commitment to you (MCA) is there will always be a home for Malaysian cricket,” he said.

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson also backed MCA’s campaign to save the oval in a statement issued last Wednesday.

“Cricket in Malaysia is flourishing with the number of players of all age groups growing and we are hopeful a sustainable solution can be found.

“The ICC will continue to support MCA and hope the Kinrara Oval will remain an international cricket venue,” he said.

The oval, built in 2003, has hosted internationals featuring India, Australia and the West Indies as well as the Under19 World Cup.

The five-hectare land is reported to be reclaimed by Permodalan Nasional Berhad on Oct 31.

STEVEN SIM

Deputy Sports Minister