Cricket New South Wales will be instrumental in the growth of cricket in Fiji and Vanuatu after the International Cricket Council and Cricket New South Wales announced a cricket development partnership agreement with these countries today.

On the boundary in Vanuatu Photo © ECC

As part of the ICC Development Program in the East Asia - Pacific Region, Cricket NSW has been engaged in a cricket partnership agreement with the Fiji Cricket Association and Vanuatu Cricket Association that will see it deliver coach, umpire, player and administrator development courses and other activities to grow the sport in these countries.

The initial agreement is for a period of 12 months but it is hoped that this will develop into a long-term relationship. The partnerships will also involve the significant provision of cricket equipment and development resources as well as other suitable Cricket NSW support mechanisms.

Cricket New South Wales Chief Executive, Brian Hughes, said Cricket NSW's interest in the growth of cricket in these countries was part of its overall contribution to the game's development.

"NSW Cricket personnel have previously been involved in coach placements and other activities in Fiji, New Caledonia and Mauritius, and hosted a tour by Tonga. As such, I am delighted we have reached an agreement to be formally involved with the ICC Development Program," he said. "We hope that this partnership will play a pivotal role in creating and shaping the future of cricket development in Fiji and Vanuatu and also present unique opportunities for New South Wales cricket personnel. By passing on our expertise in the development and marketing of the sport, I feel we can make a significant contribution," he added.

Fiji is an Associate Member of the ICC who will be competing in the upcoming ICC Trophy in Toronto, Canada in June/July. A top three finish there would see them qualify for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Vanuatu is an Affiliate Member of the ICC who has made significant progression in recent times and has just appointed its first-ever Development Officer (part-time).

Fiji National Squad beep test Photo © ECC

ICC East Asia - Pacific Development Manager, Matthew Kennedy, said, "Both these countries have proven to be pro-active within the Program and cricket is at an exciting stage in these nations with many current activities and initiatives. This additional support will be invaluable in assisting the hard-working volunteer officials and players in both Fiji and Vanuatu to achieve their aims of cricket progression.

"Cricket New South Wales is a highly successful cricket organisation, particularly in the area of game development. The ICC is delighted to have set-up a partnership whereby Cricket NSW can have an influence within its Development Program. The involvement of State Associations has much to offer in both the immediate and longer terms and, as the Program expands, their participation is seen as important to the ICC's servicing of this Region," he added.

The ICC Development Program contributes US$6.5 million globally on an annual basis to developing the game in non-Test countries.

For more information about the above or the ICC Development Program and this Region, supported by the Australian Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket, please contact ICC East Asia - Pacific Development Manager, Matthew Kennedy, Ph. +61 3 9653 9921 or +61 (0)409 218 883, Fax +61 3 9653 9911, E-mail matthew_kennedy@acb.com.au.

For further comment/information from the Cricket New South Wales, please contact Community Cricket Manager, David Eland, Ph. +61 2 93339 0916, Fax +61 2 9331 1555, E-mail davide@nswcricket.org.au.

© ICC/CricketNSW