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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. Facilities are in place in Bangkok and Chiang Mai to host multi-venue tournaments and the award of ICC Associate status in 2005 was due recognition of the potential that Thailand shows for cricket. Potential that is, to a large extent, being realised. 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 they are playing some remarkably good cricket for those who have only been active for 18 months. “It is a tribute to the Thai character and to cricket that the game is flourishing in Thailand,” adds Mr. Kader. |
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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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"Technical skill is mastery of complexity, while creativity is mastery of simplicity." Erik Christopher Zeeman
