TheCable

Asanka Gurusinha, the head coach and high-performance manager of cricket in Nigeria, says the on-going regional finals of the PwC National U-17 Cricket Championship are key for the country’s cricket development in the years ahead.

The Sri Lankan cricket World Cup winner, who spoke on Sunday, said tournaments like the U-17 cricket championship are important for the grassroots development of the sport in the country.

“Championships like this are important for grassroots development. I have followed this particular event and I think I am impressed at the coordination by the cricket federation and the support from the Sports Ministry,” Gurusinha, who watched the regional finals north-central games in Abuja, said.

“Nigeria needs this event to boost the U-19 team for future championships and I think most of these players would fit in perfectly for the U-19 World Cup qualifier later in the year.

“I am looking forward to seeing the finals in Edo State.”

The girls’ finals are scheduled for January 27 to 31 while that of the boys’ will hold from February 4 to 7 at the Edo State High-Performance Center, Benin City.

Emeka Igwillo, general manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, said all the participating teams in Benin City would enjoy safety and comfort in line with strict observance of COVID-19 protocol.

“We are working with the Sports Ministry to work out implementation of the health protocols to keep all the players and officials safe with a view to ensuring the best competition,” Igwillo said.