Afghanistan: The Doctor Diagnoses

Chief Executive Officer of the Afghanistan Cricket Board Dr. Aimal Shinwari, 30, is a young man in charge of a young sport in a country with a long-standing combative pedigree. Active in Afghan cricket since November 2009, he has spent his time studying and observing his cricketers, and as many of those in the rest of the world as possible. His goal: to keep Afghanistan cricket healthy on and off the field.

He spoke to us in Dubai as his team qualified for the World Twenty20 2010.

"The Afghan cricket team is working tirelessly to make the Afghan nation proud."

Afghan Star: Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi, 24, is not only one of Afghanistan's best cricketers, he is one of Asia's. An off-spinning all-rounder he takes wickets and scores runs with an ease and grace that makes the game look very simple. Soft-spoken and modest, his calmness belies an intense competitive temperament. Invariably, when he does well Afghanistan does well.

We caught up with him in Dubai, on the eve of 2010's ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

"I watched Saqlain's doosra. Then I did it until I had it."

Harnam Singh: Then And Now

Harnam Singh, 67, is a fixture of the Singapore cricket scene. A former national player, taking in two ICC Trophys for the country and currently Vice President of the Singapore Cricket Association he is a man of wisdom, good humour and considerable energy, carrying his years and accomplishments with an easy grace.

He spoke to us in the UAE, where he was manager of the Singapore team at the ACC Twenty20 Cup.

"Cricket is very much alive in Singapore."

K.T. Francis: The Doyen

Sri Lanka's K.T.Francis, 70, is a legend among umpires, having been officiating in one form or another for over 40 years. An ICC Elite panel umpire before he retired from the international arena, after standing in 25 Tests and 56 One-Day Internationals from 1982 to 1999, starting with Sri Lanka's first home ODI and Inaugural Test. His career was marked by a steadiness and diligence throughout, along with an uncompromising adherence to the highest umpiring standards. "KT had the kind of temperament which helps an umpire to succeed at the highest level," says ACC Development Manager Bandula Warnapura, who captained Sri Lanka in that 1982 Test.

His most recent assignment was as Umpires Assessor during the 2009 ACC U-19 Challenge in Chiang Mai, where he was also called upon to act as Match Referee in the Final. He spoke to us there, while looking not only as dapper as ever but healthier than he has been for a long time, as a result of giving up pipe-smoking seven months earlier.

“You can't just walk onto the field and umpire a match and expect to do well.”

Michael Moosajee: Myanmar's Man

Michael Moosajee, 54, first started playing cricket in Myanmar (Burma) in the 1970s. Myanmar’s subsequent isolation from the world meant cricket faded into obscurity along with many other games, but he and some hardy souls played on. He captained Myanmar in their first international tournament after becoming members of the ICC, the 2006 ACC Trophy. A one-time chicken-farmer, since retirement he has dedicated himself to developing cricket in Myanmar and is joint-secretary of the Myanmar Cricket Federation, having also served as national coach.

He spoke to us in Chiang Mai during the recent ACC U-19 Challenge.

“People say Myanmar is getting better.”

Hong Kong’s Brothers in Arms

Brothers Nadeem (22) and Irfan Ahmed (20) of Hong Kong are among the regions’ finest all-rounder prospects and would surely feature in an Asian Associates and Affiliates representative XI. Having played ODIs already, they are on the brink of further success as professional cricketers in Hong Kong and abroad. Their rise to maturity coincided with a strong series of performances by Hong Kong as they won the 2008 ACC Trophy and 2009 ACC U-19 Elite Cup as well as completing a fine run in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League.

Irfan is likely to feature strongly in ICC U/19 World Cup 2010 currently being played in New Zealand.

They spoke to us in Sharjah during the recent ACC Twenty20 Cup.

“I want to play in the IPL.”

Ashfaq-ul-Islam: Coaching Myanmar

After being involved in Bangladesh cricket all his life, 35-year-old Ashfaq-ul-Islam (Bappy) is now embarked upon a new challenge. Having been appointed national coach of Myanmar in October 2009, Bappy's first test in charge was the ACC U-19 Challenge Cup in Chiang Mai, Thailand. During a game against Brunei, which Myanmar won by 188 runs, Bappy spoke of his cricketing past and Myanmar's cricketing future.

"I've taken up coaching Myanmar in a positive way and it has started working."

Dharmichand Mulewa: Singapore's All-Rounder

Dharmichand Mulewa, 25, is in the unique position in ACC member-countries of being both a leading player and administrator. General Manager of the Singapore Cricket Association as well as as being an off-spinning opening bat, he works full-time on and off the field. Ideally placed to comment on the challenges facing contemporary administrators and players in the increasingly meritocratic new world order of developing nations’ cricket, he reflects on an intense past ten years of cricket, and looks forward to the next ten years and beyond.

The interview was conducted by phone and e-mail.

“Being the top-ranked ACC country makes us very proud.”

China: Can Do Wang

Wang Meng, 21, was China’s captain during the 2009 ACC Twenty20 Women’s Championship where she impressed with her grace under pressure and steady bowling. Initially a volleyball player who was good enough to represent Liaoning Province as an undergraduate, she has been playing cricket for the past two years.

Wang Meng spoke to us at the Chinese Women’s training camp at Shenyang Sport University.

“There is pressure on us, but we can do it.”

Asad Baig: Mr. Kuwait Cricket

Mirza Mohammad Asad Baig, 58, commonly known as Asad Baig, has long been the go-to man for all things related to Kuwait cricket. A resident of Kuwait for 33 years, from the start he has been actively involved in playing and managing teams in the country in a role that has grown progressively more significant as Kuwait’s cricket has developed. Currently Director-General of Kuwait Cricket, he spoke to us when he was in Kuala Lumpur as manager of the Kuwait team in the 2009 ACC Women’s Twenty20 Championship.

"We are proud to be the only country in the Middle East to have four turf pitches, with a fifth in construction now."

Aftab Habib: Coaching And Winning

Aftab Habib, 37, a former England international, started coaching Hong Kong in November 2007. Since then Hong Kong have won the 2008 ACC Trophy Elite, the 2009 ACC U-19 Elite Cup and the 2009 ACC Women’s Twenty20 Championship and put up a strong showing in the 2007-2008 cycle of the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League. A dedicated, passionate coach, he has impressed many with his ability to get the best out of his players and is definitely a talent to watch.

He spoke to us in Kuala Lumpur, during the recent ACC Women’s Twenty20.

“You need to put in hard work to make use of talent.”

Mamatha Maben: Guiding China’s Women Cricketers

A national player between 1993 and 2005, Mamatha Maben captained India in her last two years as a cricketer. Having been appointed coach of the Chinese women's national team, on the recommendation of the Indian Board, she has a unique role that requires her not only to coach the team, but to encourage women to take up the game in the People's Republic.

At China's first warm-up game, at the Kinrara Oval, in the build up to the ACC Women's Twenty20 Championship, Ms. Maben sat down for an interview with the ACC.

"China being a part of the cricketing community adds to the brand value of international cricket."

Sarika Prasad: Spotlight On The Invisible Man

Tunku Imran, 61, President of the Malaysian Cricket Association is an administrator of many parts¹. A keen cricketer in his youth (and still playing at 58), he has been President of the World Squash Federation, is on the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee, was instrumental in having Malaysia host the Commonwealth Games in 1998 (where cricket was played for the first time at the event) and has been Vice-President of the ACC, and Executive Board member of both the ACC and ICC. He has also batted with the great Garry Sobers.

He spoke to us in Kuala Lumpur, the day after he was chosen as this year’s recipient of the International Cricket Council’s Lifetime Service Award.

"We need to show that cricket is good for Malaysians"

Krishna Prasad Acharya, 30, commonly known as 'Ujjwal', is Nepal's leading cricket correspondent. He is to be found in print, online, on television, on radio practically on a daily basis. He pioneered online cricket coverage in Nepal in 2001 and since then has kept Nepal's legion of fans inside and outside the country in touch with "the most popular sport in the country." He has fed the interest in Nepali cricket, he has fanned the interest in Nepali cricket. His insightful, diligent, fair-mindedness coupled with his tireless enthusiasm has made him the go-to-person for informed, enlightened commentary on cricket in Nepal. He spoke to us in Kathmandu.

"The whole country is crazy for cricket. Even in the mountains they play the game."

Kabir Khan: Advancing Afghanistan

Kabir Khan, 34, a former Pakistan international cricketer has been coaching Afghanistan since October 2008. In that time, they have won ICC World Cricket League Division 4 and the ACC U-17 Challenge.

He spoke to us on the eve of his team’s departure to Argentina for ICC World Cricket League Division 3, where a top two finish will take Afghanistan to the verge of qualification for World Cup 2011.

“It is raw talent because there is no real infrastructure back there.”

Diviya G K: Singapore Star

Diviya G K, 21, is Singapore's most prominent woman cricketer. She studies Clinical Science at Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia. Ambitious to the nth degree, her enthusiasm for the game and life in general is prodigious.

She is an object lesson on how to combine high-level studies with high-level sports. She reflects on her achievements so far and looks forward to further goals.

"Discipline is key, nothing comes easy. Work for what you desire."

Natasha Cherriath: Emirates High-Flyer

Natasha Cherriath, 14, was 12 years old when she was appointed UAE captain in the 2007 ACC Women's Tournament in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. She was more of a bowler then, distinguished by her grace under pressure and accurate medium-pace. Those qualities were still on display in the recently concluded ACC U-19 Women's Championship and to them were added a thumping off-drive and terrific batting technique. She finished Batter of the Tournament with 121 runs at 30.25. She is on her way to being one of the best cricketers in Asia.

Natasha Cherriath spoke to us in Chiang Mai and, following the conclusion of the U-19 tournament, online from her home in Dubai.

"Although some of my friends dislike the game, I still think it's amazing."

Parn Poshyanonda: Thailand's First Cricketer

Puttivat 'Parn' Poshyanonda, 54, is a legend in Thai cricket. The first cricketer of Thai descent to play cricket in Bangkok, he created the Thai Cricket Club in 1983 to represent the cricket of Thais, while also playing football and rugby for Thailand.

His has been a colourful life; stories, however, that currently every lady of a certain age in Bangkok and Chiang Mai is a former consort of Mr. Poshyanonda’s are not true. Not completely. Since retirement from business he has been instrumental in creating conditions for quality cricket in Thailand – for Thais and visitors. He is a certified Level IV curator and Level I coach. He carries his eminence lightly. He has sacrificed much for cricket, including all his teeth, but his passion for the game has literally sown the seeds for future generations of Thai cricketers.

He spoke to us in his adopted home town of Chiang Mai, in an accent that swung from plummest English to lilting Thai as befit the varying topics under discussion.

"I am very happy and proud when I see Thai boys wear the shirt of Thailand playing cricket."

Rashid Khan: The Real Deal In China

Rashid Khan, 48, has been China’s national cricket coach since November 2006. Noted for his unorthodox ‘wrong-foot’ delivery, he played four Tests and 29 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan between 1980 and 1985 as a fast-bowler. Since retirement he has coached Pakistan U-19, the PCB Patron’s XI, PIA and Karachi Harbour sides with considerable success. He spoke to us in Chiang Mai, where he was with the U-17 China side, about what he sees as his greatest challenge yet.

"I’ve played with the greats, coached teams with great players and now I have a chance to do something really great."

Bandula Warnapura: Managing Development

Bandula Warnapura, 55, is the Asian Cricket Council’s third Development Manager, taking the post in July 2008 following a successful administrative career in Sri Lanka.

He played with distinction for Sri Lanka before they achieved Test status and was their first captain in Tests and ODIs. He has been an ICC match referee, is a Level IV certified coach as well as being a Board-qualified Umpire.

After a spell as National Coach, in 1994 he became Sri Lanka’s Director of Coaching and since 2001 he has been their Director of Cricket Operations. He was Tournament Director of ICC U/19 World Cup 2006.

He speaks at length on the challenges facing him and the ACC from his office in the Kuala Lumpur Secretariat.

"With the ACC, I am seeing other countries go through the same stages Sri Lanka went through."

Tabarak Dar: Leading From the Front

Tabarak Dar, 32, has been Hong Kong's captain since 2006. Originally from Pakistan, he came to Hong Kong with his family as a teenager and has been immersed in the territory's cricket ever since. He is a full-time coach employed by the Hong Kong Cricket Association. He led his team in the 2008 Asia Cup with some distinction, opening the batting and impressing with his grace under pressure.

He spoke to us in Kuala Lumpur, as his team prepared for the 2008 ACC Trophy Elite.

"Cricket has a lot to do with mental strength."

Sultan Rana: Moving On

Sultan Rana resumed service at the Pakistan Cricket Board in April 2008, after three years as the Asian Cricket Council’s Development Manager.

We spoke to him prior to his departure.

"Cricket teaches you a lot about character and discipline."

Aminul Islam : Top Starter

Aminul Islam, 40, is a national hero in Bangladesh, forever to be associated with scoring Bangladesh’s first Test century in their Inaugural Test. Since retirement he has established himself as a coach and commentator in both Bangladesh and Australia. In September 2007 he became an Asian Cricket Council Development Officer.

"Things happen on the field or in practice which just leave you admiring the ability and the potential to be really good cricketers that all these countries have."

Rumesh Ratnayake: Sri Lankan Gem

Rumesh Ratnayake is an absolute legend. One of the players who put Sri Lanka on the map in the 1980s, he was renowned for his whole-hearted pace-bowling and big-hearted character. At his peak he was able to generate terrific bounce and pace and had the priceless ability to move the ball both ways in the air and off the pitch. His figures, good as they are, don't do him justice because he was often playing with injuries and playing for a team that was only just beginning to find its feet at international level. If he was playing today he'd undoubtedly be one of the world's leading all-rounders.

Since retirement in 1993 he has been national fast-bowling coach for Sri Lanka as well as coach of his old club Nondescripts in Colombo. He is a Level III certified coach and has been a Development Officer of the Asian Cricket Council since August 2001.

"It has been 16 years and I still can't make it back into the team!"

Suhrawadi Shuvo: Bangladesh Cricket’s Future Star

19-year-old Suhrawadi Shuvo’s dream of playing senior-level cricket is not very far from most Bangladeshi boys his age. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler has impressed many with his performances at the first-class level and was named captain of the side sent to Malaysia for the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup in February 2008.

In his fifteen first-class matches up to then, he had taken 69 wickets and scored 384 runs with a top score of 72.

His three first-class matches saw him get 19 wickets, with two five-wicket hauls. An effective middle-order batsman, Shuvo represented his country at the 2006 U/19 World Cup in Sri Lanka. There he went on to take nine wickets in his six matches at an average of 14.44.

Paras Khadka: Leading From The Front

Paras Khadka, 20, is Nepal’s captain in the forthcoming U/19 World Cup. The World Cup souvenir program says Paras is “arguably good enough to be in the line-up of any of the Test-playing countries.” A member of the side which has beaten South Africa and New Zealand in previous U/19 World Cups, he is set to become an indispensable part of the Nepal senior set-up. He leads from the front with bat and ball and was a most gracious interviewee over coffee in Kathmandu.

"The luck is with those who are successful."

John Hottinger: Half English, Half-Thai - Full-on Cricket, Full-on Coach

Buddhists have a saying, 'when the pupil is ready the teacher will appear.' A county-squad member alongside Monty Panesar and Michael Hussey, John Hottinger's arrival in Thailand to play cricket came after he was within a whisker of playing county cricket in England. His arrival coincided with an upturn in Thai cricket and Thai cricket activity. He is 21.

"I don’t think cricket has absolutely anything to do with being physically strong."

Buddhi Pradhan: Upright and Forthright

Nepal's Buddhi Pradhan, 34, "though my passport says I'm 32," is one of a new generation of Asian umpires who are achieving prominence around the world. Held in high esteem by colleagues and cricketers, he has officiated in 12 ODIs between Associate nations.

His decision-making and man-management are impressive. He calls it as he sees it and he sees it pretty well. In fact, his local district team don't like him to umpire in their matches because they know they will get absolutely no favours from him.

Damber Singh Gurung: Student and Master

Damber Singh Gurung, 27, has played a major part in Bhutan’s rise as a cricketing nation. National captain, youth-team coach and all-round lynchpin of Bhutan’s cricket development program, he talks to us in Chiang Mai where his U-15 team made it to the Final of the ACC U-15 Challenge Cup for the second year in a row.

Bangladesh's Big Hitter: Tajkia Akhtar

Tajkia Akhtar, 29, captain of Bangladesh’s Women’s Team, winners of the 2007 ACC Women’s Tournament, speaks about her love for the game and ambitions for her team and country.

“I did well in studies just so that I could play cricket.”

Binaya Raj Pandey: Cricket Diplomat

Binaya Raj Pandey became President of the Cricket Association of Nepal in September 2006, having previously been an Honorary Secretary of the Association for 39 years. Small in stature, soft-spoken and exquisitely mannered, he brings with him the shrewdest of minds, the most adroit diplomatic skills and an ability to slowly but surely, get things done.

We spoke to him in Kuala Lumpur soon after the start of his term in office when he sought to outline his plans to overhaul cricket in Nepal to the ACC Secretariat. On his return to Kathmandu things indeed started happening – major sponsorships were announced, domestic cricket was revamped and work was started on a new training centre for national cricketers.

“We can play in the World Cup”

Tamoor Sajjad: Teen Tyro

Back in August 2006, a 14-year old young Qatari came to Malaysia to play his first senior tournament. He was, by some distance, the youngest player in his team and was also the youngest player in the tournament. Yet he played the innings of the event during Qatar's quarter-final with UAE in the ACC Trophy.

Tamoor Sajjad's 53, against a formidable UAE eclipsed the efforts of the Saudi batsmen twice his age and size who had earlier made runs against those bowlers at the group stage. Why? Because it's not just the number of runs you make but how and when you make them that matters. This was the knock-out stage and the UAE, defending champions, were focussed on victory.

Romesh Kaluwitharana: Player With A Past, Coach With A Future

Romesh Kaluwitharana, 37, was Sri Lanka’s wicket-keeper batsman the year they won the World Cup. He played 49 Tests and 189 ODIs from 1992 to 2004. Renowned for the audacity of his shot-making, together with opening partner Sanath Jayasuriya, he revolutionised one-day batting at the start of an innings. Since retirement he has coached Colts C.C. in Sri Lanka while conducting a career as an insurance executive. He was appointed by Sri Lanka Cricket to be a member of the 2006 ACC Committee to Evaluate China.

“Some people are born with that talent and if these few are coached well they will definitely represent their country.”

Shahzada Masoud: Growing The Cricket Tribe

Shahzada Masoud, Minister of Tribal Affairs and President of the Afghanistan Cricket Federation, spent time with us in Kuala Lumpur when he accompanied the national team during the ACC Trophy. A man of considerable dignity and charisma, with an evident passion for both cricket and his country, he carries the flag for Afghanistan cricket with pride. He is 43 and lives in Kabul.

“Mr. Karzai knows that whenever I am not at my desk, I am at the cricket ground.”

Reading Roger Binny

ACC Development Officer Roger Binny, a World Cup winner with India and one of Asia’s most respected coaches talks to us about the on-going ACC Trophy and also gives his predictions on the outcome of the tournament...

John Bailey: Coaching The Process

John Bailey, 44, believes that attaining success in cricket is a process and that is what Malaysia need to do – work towards success.

“You don’t coach players, you coach people.”

Raees Ahmadzai: Leading Afghan Cricket

The Afghanistan captain comes to Malaysia to win the ACC Trophy.

“We’re going to play like we always do, by putting in one hundred percent in every single game.”

Iqbal Sikander: Developing The Game

Mr. Iqbal Sikander, World Cup winner and ACC Development Officer finds time to talk to us in the middle of his hectic schedule. Developing the game is what he has specialized in and he looks forward to the future of the game

Hong Kong Girl Knocks Seniors For Six

Shurabhi Das, a 14-year old student at Hong Kong’s South Island School made ACC history last month by being the first female and the youngest person to ever attend an Umpiring Course. Moreover, she scored 96 out of 100 in the Umpires’ Elementary Examination, the highest ever.

“I would love to be an international umpire - maybe even get onto the ICC panel!-(and it would be great if I was the first/only woman umpire to be an international umpire)!”