By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 7: The Sarawak government has allocated RM6.5 million to upgrade the Borneo Cricket Ground, which will serve as one of the host venues for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from January 18 to 28.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed that the physical construction work has been completed, with only some cleanup work and the issuance of the Occupation Permit (OP) remaining.
“The cricket field was already in use for Malaysia Games (Sukma), but the additional facilities were only proposed to the State cabinet in September 2024.
“At the September cabinet meeting, I presented the proposal specifically for this facility because it would have been a shame for us to host a world-class event using ‘sun tents’.
“That is why we need this kind of facility and the Cabinet, without objection, approved it,” Abdul Karim said at a press conference after visiting the site in Petra Jaya today.
The Borneo Cricket Ground now includes a broadcast room, café, changing rooms, and other amenities to accommodate international standards.
Final touches, including the arrival of furniture and landscaping, are expected within days.
Abdul Karim confirmed that Sarawak did not receive funds from the Federal government to host the World Cup but acknowledged contributions from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“What matters is that we are a good host. The event will be telecast live to 180 countries, reaching over 200 million viewers.
“This is an incredible opportunity to promote Sarawak without spending millions on advertising,” he noted.
At the same time, Abdul Karim who is also the Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), said that the State plans to complement the sporting event with a festival showcasing local food, crafts, and culture at the adjacent festival grounds.
He further urged local residents to support the World Cup matches, which will feature teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria, and Samoa, along with top teams advancing to the Super 6 round.
“I hope to see as many people as possible, especially young students, attending the matches.
“This could spark their interest in cricket and hopefully inspire them to take up the sport,” he emphasised.
Also present were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick and ICC Sports Logistics Officer Anton Magnus. – DayakDaily
