Prof Zuraidah presenting a copy of ‘Kriket: Pengurusan Kecederaan’ to Prof Faidz in Johor Baru. With them is Mahindra.
A BOOK on improved injury prevention and management in Malaysian cricket has been released by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Johor Cricket Association (JCA).
Kriket: Pengurusan Kecederaan marks a significant step in strengthening evidence-based practice and professionalism in the sport.
JCA president Prof Faidz A. Rahman said the book was the tangible outcome of joint efforts in advancing research, knowledge development and best practices across all levels of cricket in the country.
The project was led by UTAR’s Physiotherapy Department head Dr Muhammad Noh Zulfikri Mohd Jamali, who was also lead editor.
“Drawing on both academic expertise and practical experience, the publication is grounded in real-world demands faced by cricket players and support staff.
“Dr Muhammad Noh’s involvement with the Johor cricket team during Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2022 played a key role in shaping the book’s applied approach,” said Prof Faidz during the launch at Dato Dr Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy and Oval in Johor Baru.
He said Dr Muhammad Noh was also involved in preparing the national cricket men’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams for major tournaments, thus ensuring the content remained relevant to high-performance and youth development.
The book was more than a conventional academic reference, said Prof Faidz.
“It serves as a practical and comprehensive guide for coaches, players, team officials and parents involved in cricket.
“It offers structured and progressive, sports science-based approaches to injury prevention and management,” he added.
Among others, it covers injury care, early risk identification, safe rehabilitation strategies and best practices applicable across grassroots, development and elite environments.
The book also reflected JCA’s strategic emphasis on research and development, which he said was a core pillar of the association’s five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening athlete welfare while supporting sustainable long-term performance.
“It is an important step in embedding research and evidence-based practice into cricket development,” said Prof Faidz.
UTAR vice-president (research, development and commercialisation) Prof Zuraidah Abd Manaf said the collaboration highlighted the institution’s commitment to translating academic expertise into practical community resources.
“Such partnerships demonstrate how universities can bridge theory and practice by working closely with sporting organisations.
“Looking ahead, both UTAR and JCA expect the collaboration to spur further research initiatives, publications and joint projects.”
Prof Zuraidah added that these efforts would contribute to higher professional standards while supporting the long-term well-being and performance sustainability of athletes across Malaysia.
Also present at the launch was Malaysian Cricket Association president Mahindra Vallipuram.
