KUCHING: Sarawak is set to expand its grassroots cricket development with three dedicated cricket development centres (CDC) expected to be established next year at SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg (TAHO), SMK Singai, and potentially SMK Bako.
Currently, Sarawak has one operational CDC at SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg, which has been instrumental in developing cricket skills among young players.
Plans are underway to add two more centres: SMK Singai in Bau, which has been confirmed for next year, and SMK Bako, which is still in the negotiation phase following recent visits by cricket officials.
Speaking to the Sarawak Tribune today, Victor Graman, Vice-President of the Sarawak Cricket Association (SCA), shared insights on the development plans aiming to nurture young talents and strengthen the state’s cricket pipeline.
“SMK Singai is confirmed for next year, and we expect to place around 28 players there, mainly focusing on female cricketers aged 13 years old. SMK Bako is a possibility, and we are optimistic it will come through soon,” he said.
The centres will primarily focus on secondary school students, targeting players around 13 years old, with a special emphasis on developing female cricketers.
To support these initiatives, Sarawak Cricket Association, Sarawak Sports Corporation, and the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) are collaborating closely with the respective schools to ensure the centres have proper facilities and coaching staff.
Victor then said that SMK Bako already has net practice facilities installed, which will be refurbished and upgraded, while similar three-lane net practice facilities are planned for SMK Singai.
“We are also working with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to bring in four foreign coaches.
“These coaches will be dedicated to each centre and provide training from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, the players may train at the Borneo Cricket Ground,” he said.
In addition to infrastructure improvements and coaching support, the programme aims to enlarge cricket participation at the primary school level.
Based on recent Schools Sports Council of Malaysia (MSSM) participation, approximately 15 primary schools are involved in youth cricket activities.
“If SSC supports us with these four coaches, the chances of this plan materialising are very high. We expect to have three development centres by next year, which are SMK Openg, SMK Singai, and SMK Bako,” he added.
The expansion marks a significant step forward in Sarawak’s cricket development strategy, laying a strong foundation for the next generation of players and contributing to the sport’s growth in the region.
