CHINA: GREEN IS GO
The Chinese Cricket Association (CCA) is to take delivery of two innovative
artificial wickets thanks to a donation from a UK-based supplier. Only just
introduced in Hong Kong and new to the rest of Asia, the wickets are a major
step forward for cricket in China.
The donation by Notts Sport of their patented Portable Mats represents
a terrific vote of confidence in the activity of the Chinese Cricket
Association. Shaun Patrick, Chief Executive of Notts Sport,
comments: “China’s
enthusiasm for cricket, and the Asian Cricket Council’s commitment
to the sport, is extremely impressive and is clearly demonstrated by
the increasing number of coaches, umpires and children who are learning
the game.”
The two 15 metre-wide playing surfaces could even be combined to provide
a playing area large enough to stage a youth-level match. Uniquely,
the wickets provide support to both seam and spin as well as providing
a fast, true bounce and are thus ideal for training purposes.
Danny Lai, a former General Manager of the Hong Kong Cricket Association
and currently Director of Hong Kong-based Turf Solutions, instigated
the donation while in Beijing to watch the CCA’s Inaugural Youth
Tournament in July. He says, “This is just the first step, more
wickets will be provided when the time is right. Permanent ones too.
Within a short space of time, cricket has established a foothold in
the mainland and once these wickets come into play, cricket activity
will grow even more.”
Calvin Leung of the CCA says, “The sponsorship is very much appreciated
and we will look to use the portable mats first to train the China U-15 team
for the ACC Trophy in December.”
Notts Sport is the fore-runner of what is expected to be a number of corporate
sponsors coming forward to support cricket in China.
Filed July 21, 2006
