One-year contracts to boost Malaysian cricket scene

Mahinda (seated, centre) with the players after the contract signing ceremony at Kinrara Oval. — Bernama

THE Malaysian Cricket Association have taken a step towards raising the standard of the sport by offering a one-year contract to 21 players in the national men’s team.

Its president, Mahinda Vallipuram, said this was one of the steps taken to spur cricket players to continue excelling and bring glory to Malaysia.

He said the multi-tiered contract that offered allowances ranging from RM750 to RM2,500, would be reviewed every three months, and several factors, such as attendance and performance, would be taken into account.

He explained that those who failed to maintain their performance level would be downgraded while those who showed improved performance would be upgraded.

“They must attend at least 80% of the training programmes.

“This is one of the ways we plan to monitor their progress and it will be regulated by the selection committee. We also have a number of tournaments which we will use to review their progress.

“A few years ago, we also gave them contracts, but this time the contract is more systematic as we have held talks with all parties, including the players,” he said at the players’ contract signing ceremony at the Kinrara Oval in Puchong.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Mohd Shafiq Sharif praised the association’s efforts and described the decision to review their performances every three months as a good way to keep them on their toes.

“This is good for the players. When there is a contract, you feel more secure. And the review system will give players in the lower tier a chance to move up,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Youth and Sports Ministry has confirmed that the Cabinet has given special approval to the association to continue operations at the Kinrara Oval.

Its minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, in a statement, said the decision puts an end to the crisis between the association and the land owner, Perumahan Kinrara Berhad (PKB), following the land lease which commenced on Nov 1, 2013 and expired Oct 31 last year.

“The ministry has held discussions with the stakeholders involved including PKB. The discussions on the extension period for the association’s operations will be held tripartite between my ministry, PKB and the association later for an amicable solution,” he said.

Syed Saddiq added that the decision by the government was to ensure development of the sport.

Kinrara Oval is a top-notch facility for cricket and the association has spent millions to develop it to be world class. It has hosted several international meets, including the Under-19 World Cup and the cricket events of the 2017 SEA Games. — Bernama