That Malaysia should, as a non-Test playing country be hosting an ODI series is not in itself remarkable, the Netherlands entertained Sri Lanka in July and in the past, Bangladesh, Canada, Kenya Morocco, Singapore, and the UAE have all been venues for the senior countries.

What is remarkable is how quickly Malaysia have put the whole show together, how simply and soundly they’ve adopted top-class procedures and how there has been a selfless dedication to the cause of showing off Kuala Lumpur and its cricket community.

“It’s taken us six weeks to put the show on the road,” says P. Krishnasamy, Deputy President of the MCA (Malaysian Cricket Association), “starting with the bid and then finding out that not only had we been successful amongst six other countries but then finding out that we had been a little more successful than expected once co-hosts Singapore withdrew.”

Seven ODIS are being played by Australia, India and the West Indies from the 12th to 24th of September at the Kinrara Oval and almost everything except for the turf and pavilion has had to be put into place specially for the series. “It’s been a monumental task,” confirms Mahinda Vallipuram, Vice President of the MCA, “but everyone in the cricket community’s pulled together and now, with less than twenty-four hours to go we’re in a position to have top-class cricket at a top-class facility.”

Permanent floodlights have been erected, stands seating close to 7,000 have been put up, along with sponsor tents and a giant TV screen and a media centre has been established. The ground has gone from ‘little gem’ to ‘sparkling diamond’ in a very short space of time.

“Everyone involved with Malaysian cricket can feel proud of the country’s achievements”, continued Mr. Vallipuram. “We’re on the map thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket Australia and without their support we wouldn’t have had this chance to establish ourselves as a viable venue for ODI cricket. There has been a buzz about the place for a long time and the legacy of this event will be long-lasting. More children will want to know about cricket, more of the coaches will want to climb the ladder. We, as administrators have learnt a great deal too. India has made all this possible. The benefits to Malaysian cricket will be immense,” he continued.

Fans are arriving from all around Peninsular and East Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia as well as India and Australia. Most significantly, up to 1000 schoolchildren and their teachers will be brought to the games, space permitting and they will have a privileged view of Dravid, Dhoni, Tendulkar, Lara, Sarwan, Lee, McGrath, Ponting that should inspire many of them to take up this game of bat and ball, called cricket.

It is a great game no matter who plays it.

Filed Sept 11, 2006