KUCHING: The Borneo Cricket Ground is nearing readiness to host the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup as its physical construction completed and final adjustment underways.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that physically the building is completed as water and electricity are already in place.
“However, while the building may appear to be completed, it cannot be used until the necessary requirements, including sanitary standards and the Occupational Permit (OP), are obtained.
“Hopefully, the finishing touches will be completed within the next few days, and you will see the difference. We have the broadcasting room, café, changing rooms and everything is in place to meet the standards of this international world event.
“Of course, there are a little bit of fine tuning that needs to be done. There’s a little bit of cleaning up of this place that needs to be done. But I’m very sure by the time that we need the venue for the World Cup, it will be ready,” he said during the press conference after visiting the proposed site for ICC U19 Women T20 World Cup at Borneo Cricket Ground, Petra Jaya on Tuesday (Jan 7).
Abdul Karim also said that Borneo Cricket Ground is designed to meet the standards of a world-class cricket venue.
“This is a world event, and it’s crucial to have top-notch facilities. By the first match, I am very confident the venue will be ready.
“During the cabinet meeting on September, I proposed the funding for this facility. It would have been a shame for us to host a world event without proper infrastructure. The Cabinet approved it without objection, and everything has moved forward smoothly.”
Besides, he also highlighted Sarawak’s recent success in cricket, noting the state’s victory in the Malaysia Cricket Associations (MCA) Malaysian Women’s Cricket tournament.
“Despite cricket being relatively new to Sarawak, we’ve reached a pinnacle of success. With this new cricket ground and the inspiration from hosting a world event, I am sure we will build a strong base of young players, especially in schools.”
Additionally, he said that the tournament the tournament, featuring teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Nigeria and Samoa, will be telecast live to 180 countries and live on Star Sports.
“And apart from that, we are going to have a fiesta, a festival. That is my assurance to ICC at that time and we will make sure that apart from the sports, we will also showcase our food, our craft, and other good things in the festival ground.
“To those staying in Kuching and the surrounding suburbs, please do drop by from the Jan 18 to 28. Give support to the teams that are participating down here.”
Kuching will host 10 out of the 42 matches for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from Jan 18 to 28, with the remaining matches to be held in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
