Cricket fans urged to attend games
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday October 9, 2014 16:32
. This is in response to the realisation that the sport fails to attract support from the locals.
In fact, BCA and Gaborone Cricket Club officials have gone further, pleading with the public to attend local games in order to support particularly the young and upcoming players. The appeal comes ahead of the mini World Cup, which starts on Friday.
BCA fixtures and publicity secretary Sumod Damodar told Mmegi Sport that one of the reasons why there is a poor attendance during cricket matches is because of the assumption that cricket is difficult to interpret. He said the only way that people can get to understand cricket is when they attend matches and see how the game is played with officials are availed to explain the sport. Damodar believes improved attendance, particularly by players’ parents, will motivate players.
The recent cricket series that featured England team Maryleborne Cricket Club (MCC), although hailed as a sporting success, failed to attract a good crowd.
Damodar said BCA is in the process of creating a cricket awareness programme in different areas of the country by conducting development clinics in different schools.
These development programmes have been conducted in schools that are located in different areas such as Mogobane, Ramotswa and Kanye. MCC also conducted a few coaching clinics in these areas.
He stated that these development programmes would bring a huge impact in terms of cricket awareness. He further said the impact of these development programmes are starting to yield as a number of children are showing interest in playing cricket.
GCC secretary Ravi Angara said it would be great to see a huge number of spectators attending cricket matches especially the up coming mini World Cup, which starts tomorrow. Pakistan clash with the World XI select team in the tournament opener at the Oval at 6:30 pm.
Angara said admission for the mini World Cup is free and there is entertainment for the family during the month long tournament.