Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali hopes to send national players for attachments to top cricket-playing countries next year.
National coach Job Van Bunge, a Dutchman who earned coaching badges in Australia, also hopes to open doors for Malaysian players.
“Discussions are still in their infancy. We know we must send our players on overseas attachments if they are to improve,” said Mohammed Iqbal Ali on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which Malaysia is hosting.
“We spoke to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) a year ago, and hosting the World Cup is a great opportunity to meet officials from other countries.
“Our coach spent many years in Australia and has built a good relationship with the authorities there.”
The MCA is open to sending players to other top cricket-playing countries, such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, the West Indies, South Africa, England, or Bangladesh.
“Although my focus is on our grassroots programmes, we also need to have strong national teams,” said Mohammed Iqbal Ali.
“If any of the top cricket-playing countries can offer us attachment opportunities, we would be grateful.”
Asked about the team’s performance at the Under-19 T20 World Cup, he said: “The team continues to improve. There are many positives to take away.
“There is so much talent, considering their age, and their confidence is on the rise. These are solid building blocks for the future. The tournament is not over. We have one last match against Nepal. The girls need to regroup, refocus, and remain on task.”
Despite three defeats in the ‘Group of Death’ against Sri Lanka, India, and the West Indies, the team has gradually improved, scoring 23, 31, and 59 runs.
The bowlers have also made their mark, taking seven West Indies wickets after only six against Sri Lanka and none against the dominant Indians, who topped Group A with a perfect record.
Malaysia faces Nepal in a playoff match today (10.30am) at the Datuk Dr Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy and Oval in Johor Bahru.
Main image: MCA/ICC
