Asian Cricket Council move forward

In a momentous occasion in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Head-office was declared open at Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7, at a high profile event on 20th August 2016.  

The occasion was graced by Hon. DayasiriJayasekera, the Minister of Sports and Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister of Finance as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively, in the presence of other eminent personalities.

This move will strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as the nerve centre for the sport in the Asia region by uniting the region’s membership base of 25 countries to work towards global prosperity of the sport.

The current President of ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket, Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, commented on the historic occasion, “It gives me immense pride to welcome Asian Cricket Council to Sri Lanka, as it marks a new and exciting chapter for the sport in the region which will simultaneously have a positive impact on the game in Sri Lanka as well. I have a passionate vision for the future development of the game in Sri Lanka and I believe that ACC’s move to set up its new office in Sri Lanka will play a big role in promoting and developing cricket resources in the country.”

The new incoming Asian Cricket President, Mr Shaharyar M. Khan commented that he was grateful to the Sri Lanka government for taking such positive steps to promote cricket amongst the ACC members. He also stated that he was looking for the ACC member countries to grow cricket amongst the indigenous people within their country and not just rely on the Indian sub-continent countries.

Mahinda Vallipuram, President of Malaysia Cricket Association stated the he is positive of the revival of ACC and welcomes the statements of the incoming ACC President, Mr Shaharyar M. Khan.  Malaysia had embarked on promoting cricket amongst its citizens and certainly within the last two years, the Malaysian National Team is only represented by citizens of the country.

He firmly believes that for the long term sustainability, the game needs to to be played from the early years in schools as this will only ensure a broader base of cricketers. He further added that under the leadership of Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, the ACC has certainly moved in a quick pace and has been certainly very hands on. A trait that will serve ACC well.

Malaysia was represented by Mahinda Vallipuram and has been elected into the ACC Development Committee headed by Sri Lankan Cricket President, Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala.

ACC runs a development program that supports coaching, umpiring and sports medicine in member countries which is funded from broadcast revenues earned when organising the Asia Cup, Asian Test Championship, ACC Trophy and other various tournaments.