Auckland cricket will be instrumental in the growth of cricket in the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga after the International Cricket Council and the Auckland Cricket Association announced a cricket development relationship agreement with these countries today.

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

Based on budgeting processes, the initial agreement is for a period of 12 months but it is hoped that, if successful, it will be developed further into a long-term set of productive cricket relationships. The partnerships will also involve the significant provision of cricket equipment and development resources as well as other suitable ACA support mechanisms. Exact arrangements and activities will be finalised by all involved based on identified needs.

ACA Chief Executive, Lindsay Crocker, said the ACA's interest in the growth of cricket in these countries was part of its overall contribution to the game's development.

"At the instigation of the ICC, we have previously conducted coach placements in Hong Kong & South Korea and were proud to host the inaugural ICC Pacifica Cricket Championships in February 2001. 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 the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga, and also present unique opportunities for Auckland cricket's personnel. By passing on the ACA's knowledge of cricket development and business, I feel we can make a genuine input," he added.

The ACA has appointed its Director of Coaching Development, Kaushik Patel, as the Coordinator of these partnerships.

The Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa are all relatively new Affiliate Members of the ICC (June 2000) who have made significant progression in this short period of time. All three countries are a part of the ICC Development Program in the East Asia - Pacific Region.

ICC East Asia - Pacific Development Manager, Matthew Kennedy, said, "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 all of the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga to achieve their aims of cricket progression.

"The Auckland Cricket Association is a high quality cricket organisation. The ICC is delighted to have set-up a partnership whereby the ACA can have an influence within its Development Program. The involvement of Provincial 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$3.2 million globally on an annual basis to developing the game in non-Test countries.

© Auckland Cricket Association