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Recent Achievements:
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A peaceful revolution happened in Thailand in 2009, a year that was the best in their cricket history, one in which the finals of two international tournaments were reached and a year in which Thai cricket became increasingly associated with Thais – Thais of ethnic origin and Thai citizens with deep roots in the country. After being a demonstration sport in 2010 cricket became a discipline at the 2011 National Youth Games, the first Thai cricket competitions sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand. The drivers of change may initially have been the Asian and Anglo-Antipodean expatriates but subsequent progress has all been due to the fact that once the game was taken to the indigenous population, Thai youth cricketing activity has flourished. Local Thais have a presence in the age-group squads and a number have played for the seniors already. Women’s cricket is a significant part of development activity. At the start of 2009 nets were put up for the first time in government schools, in Chiang Mai. With a new ground coming aboard in Chiang Mai at the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club, facilities are in place along with Bangkok (re-developing after the floods of 2011) to host multi-venue tournaments. In 2010 the Cricket Association of Thailand took possession of their own cricket ground, close to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport. Greater exposure to competitive cricket will raise playing standards and allow them to climb the ACC tournament rankings where they are currently just outside the Elite group. “If cricket is to prosper in Thailand then it needs to develop the local cricketing human capital,” says Association Chief Executive Officer Mohideen Kader, “not just players but umpires and coaches too.” It is the women who are making the most significant strides. The women’s teams are 100% Thai (in contrast to the 60% expatriate men’s team and 80% U-19 team) and they are playing some remarkably good cricket for those who have only been active since 2007. “It is a tribute to the Thai character and to cricket that the game is flourishing in Thailand,” adds Mr. Kader. Having won the ACC Women’s Championship, Thailand are on their way to the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifiers in August 2013. |
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CRICKET ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND 52/2 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24 Ramkhamhaeng Road, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240 Thailand Tel: +662 718 7358 Fax: +662 318 6824 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.cricketthailand.com |
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"Money is very important. But money is not victory." Davor Suker
