Cricket is to be a part of Thailand’s National Youth Games in Phuket this month. It is the second time cricket has been at the Games and the event is “considered to be the pinnacle of youth sport competition” says the Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT).

15 of Thailand’s 76 provinces are currently playing cricket, growth that has come organically year upon year since the start of the millennium with schools and universities across the country putting up teams composed of local Thais. The National Youth Games along with the Youth Championships and University Games “very much form part of a pathway for players who want to move up to national and senior team cricket,” says CAT Chief Executive Mohideen Kader. “The kind of exposure these players get at the national level also gives them a lot of help when it comes to school and university applications,” adds Mr. Kader, “doing well, winning medals, all these things impress and for cricket to be part of the Games means that Thai cricketers are part of the sporting landscape.” A number of the cricketers who took part in the recent ACC U-16 Elite Cup will be involved.

The Sports Authority of Thailand run these Games, cricket is one of 40 disciplines in Phuket. 12 provinces are fielding sides in the men’s and women’s matches, with CAT coaches and officials managing the event. The matches are all being played at the Cherng Talay and Alan Cooke Grounds on the southern Thai island. Next year the games will be held at Maha Sarakham province in east-central Thailand. “A region completely new to cricket, which is a good thing because it means as hosts the Sports Authority of Thailand will ask them to build a cricket ground and put up boys’ and girls’ teams,” says the CAT Chief Executive, delighted at the continuing spread of the game. 16 done, 60 to go.

Related:
Thailand Cricket Profile
National Youth Games cricket event
Sports Authority of Thailand

Filed May 25th, 2012