The Suva Cricket Association’s 2019/20 competition gets underway at Albert Park tomorrow.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Association secretary Nishantha Fernando said the new season looks promising as they intend to lift the standard of the game.

“We are focusing on arranging platform to new, young and old cricket lovers to showcase their talents,” Fernando said

“Suva cricket is the biggest competition in the South Pacific that runs for six months from October to April, every year.

“We’re trying our best to make it more professional and useful for all participants and implement junior cricket training in-line with the weekly league matches. This did not happen last year and we’re working on getting it effective.

“This year Suva Cricket will accommodate 12 teams. And we got one new team called Total Social Cricket club and they are sponsored by Total Fiji.

“This team comprises of a few talented expatriates and locals with mixed age groups from young to old.”

Fernando said the new Association executives are working closely to sign up a sponsorship deal with a leading businessman.

He said this would enable them to lift the standard of the game by providing game balls, having neutral umpires and scorers to maintain the standard.

“We were told by Suva City Council authorities that Albert Park will be closed for renovation works from mid December 2019 for a few months.

“This will be a big obstacle for the continuation of the season after Christmas and the New Year celebrations.”

Fernando said in this case they would liaise with the Fiji National Sports Commission to arrange Suva Grammar School ground or Buckhurst Park as an alternative venue.

“Also we are calling all cricket lovers in and around Suva to gather at Albert Park every Saturday to watch our talented cricketers in action.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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