By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 2: Sarawak is making a bid to host the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup at the newly-built cricket and rugby field in Petra Jaya Sports Complex next year.
After the success of its first edition hosted by South Africa last year, the international event, which was supposed to be co-organised by Thailand and Malaysia for the second edition, will involve the participation of more than 20 countries, but the venue has yet to be decided.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Malaysian Cricket Association and Sarawak Cricket Association are currently working to organise the international event next year.
“However, the field still lacks other facilities such as changing rooms, toilets, rest areas and others.
“That’s why if we get the opportunity to become the host, it cannot just be an empty field – there must be other facilities.
“Thus, after the Malaysia Games (Sukma), we will look into building grandstands for spectators and necessary buildings next to the cricket field so that it will be more or less like its own stadium,” he told reporters after officiating the soft launch of the cricket and rugby grounds near Petra Jaya Sports Complex here today.
Asked on the estimated cost required to upgrade the cricket field, Abdul Karim said it might run into a few million ringgits.
Earlier, Abdul Karim launched the cricket field, stating that it is the first cricket stadium in Borneo. — DayakDaily
