KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) must buck up and stop taking its special allocation for granted, according to sports analyst Mohd Sadek Mustaffa.
The senior sports science lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara made these comments following a RM1 million allocation granted to the MCA by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of Budget 2025, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Speaking to Scoop, Sadek emphasised that the MCA should use the allocated funds to develop quality athletes, enabling Malaysia to compete effectively with other Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth nations that play the sport.
Currently, there are 16 Commonwealth nations, including Malaysia, that are members of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Notably, China, a non-Commonwealth nation, has recently established its own cricket league, attracting clubs from Japan and South Korea. The league matches are held in Shanghai, Beijing, and Jinan.
“It’s disheartening to see that the growth of cricket in our country has remained stagnant over the years, while other non-Commonwealth nations have been progressing with their developments and participation in international competitions,” Sadek said when contacted.
“While it’s good news that cricket is finally receiving government attention, the MCA’s management must take their planning and future blueprint more seriously.
“More exposure should be provided for our athletes, and better league systems need to be established, potentially through partnerships with progressing nations.
“Many national sports associations have longed for this kind of special allocation, and the MCA must prove its worth without taking it for granted.
“As a former Commonwealth nation, we should have mastered the sport by now, like others have. I hope the government will closely monitor the MCA’s plans and refrain from granting further allocations next year if they fail to show progress,” Sadek added.
Meanwhile, MCA president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim expressed gratitude to the government for the allocation, calling it a significant turning point for cricket in Malaysia.
Iqbal acknowledged that this support will bolster the MCA’s efforts to develop cricket nationwide and inspire a new generation of talent, putting Malaysia on the global cricketing map.
“This is a historic moment for Malaysian cricket, as it marks the first time cricket has been included in the national budget. The RM1 million allocation is a monumental achievement for the game, and we are both excited and grateful for the government’s recognition of cricket’s importance.
“With this historic allocation, we will prioritise expanding player development programmes, upgrading cricket facilities, and investing in coaching development nationwide. Additionally, we will create more opportunities for talent discovery through regional cricket tournaments and academies.
“While this may not immediately put us on par with powerhouses like India, it sets a strong foundation for the future. Continuous investment and strategic partnerships will be essential for building Malaysia’s presence on the global cricket stage,” Iqbal told Scoop.
Malaysia is set to host the second edition of the ICC’s Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup from January 18 to February 2 next year.
Malaysia has been drawn in Group A with cricketing giants India, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, announced that the government will continue to intensify sports development in the country with an allocation of over RM230 million through Budget 2025. — October 19, 2024