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ICC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH VICTORIAN CRICKET
ASSOCIATION, JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA
Combined release from the Victorian Cricket Association
(VCA) &
International Cricket Council (ICC) East – Asia Pacific
Development Region
Victorian cricket will be instrumental in the growth of cricket
in Japan and South Korea after the International Cricket Council and the
Victorian Cricket Association announced a cricket development partnership
agreement with these countries today.
As part of the ICC Development Program in the East Asia – Pacific
Region, the VCA has been engaged in a cricket partnership agreement with
the Japan Cricket Association and Korea 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 VCA support mechanisms.
VCA Chief Executive, Ken Jacobs, said the VCA’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 Brunei, the Philippines and Vanuatu, 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 Japan and South
Korea and also present unique opportunities for Victorian cricket personnel.
By passing on the VCA’s expertise in the development and marketing of the
sport, I feel we can make a genuine input,” he added.
Japan is an existing Affiliate Member of the ICC and South Korea’s
application for Affiliate Membership will be considered at the ICC Annual
General Meeting in June in London. The Australian Cricket Board, as a Full
Member, has proposed its acceptance. Both countries are a part of the ICC
Development Program in the East Asia – Pacific Region.
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 Japan and South
Korea to achieve their aims of cricket progression.
“The Victorian Cricket Association is a highly successful cricket
organisation, particularly in the area of game development. The ICC is
delighted to have set-up a partnership whereby the VCA 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$3.2 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 Victorian Cricket Association,
please contact Chief Executive Officer, Ken Jacobs, Ph. +61 3 9653 1110,
Fax +61 3 9653 1196, E-mail kjacobs@viccricket.asn.au.
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