Syed Saddiq: MCA will not be evicted from the Oval for now
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Cricket Association (MCA) will get to keep the Kinrara Oval until a permanent solution is found.
Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman confirmed the news by stating that the cabinet has given special approval to the association to use the field, which has been billed as one of the best cricketing grounds in SouthEast Asia.
However, it is not known how long MCA will get to keep the ground.
“It is confirmed that MCA will not be evicted from the Oval,” he said.
“The ministry has held constant discussions with stakeholders including Perumahan Kinrara Berhad (PKB), following the expiry of the land lease, which ended on Oct 31 last year.
“The operational period will be discussed in a three-pronged meeting between the ministry, PKB and MCA.
“We will ensure a joint solution to ensure everyone benefits.
“We made such a decision for the good of the sport,” said Syed Saddiq in a statement.
MCA president Mahinda Vallipuram is relieved with the news and grateful for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s support for the continuing growth of cricket in Malaysia.
“We wish to thank the Prime Minister, not just for sparing his time to understand the situation at Kinrara Oval but also how it is seen as an iconic ground in the eyes of the world while giving sports his priority.
“We are extremely appreciative of the Cabinet’s decision and also the Youth and Sports Minister for giving us advice and the chance to continue hosting events at Kinrara.
“This is excellent news for us and Malaysian sports in general.”
The move by the cabinet puts a temporary end to the crisis between MCA and PKB, following the end of the land lease.
The ground, which started hosting in 2005, has held many one-day internationals (ODI), notably the Under-19 World Cup 2008, which featured top players like India’s Virat Kohli and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson during their junior days.
The ground also hosted the triangular DLF Cup series, which saw top Test teams like India, Australia and the West Indies.
Legends like West Indies’ Brian Lara, Australia’s Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath and India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were part of the three-team tournament.