East Asia Pacific - 2009 Review

Regional Development Manager for the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) region, Matthew Weisheit, has spoken about the challenges that faced the growth of cricket in the EAP region in 2009 and also highlights Vanuatu achieving Associate Membership as a major achievement during the year.

Read a full interview with the ICC website below:

• What have been the main achievements of your region in the past year?

We have recorded several positive achievements in 2009 including the fact that eight of our ten Members now have full-time General Managers/CEOs. This has enabled us to collectively improve the levels of administration throughout the region, which has been essential in this year of change. Another major achievement has been Vanuatu achieving ICC Associate Membership.

• Do you think that cricket in your region is in a stronger position than it was 12 months ago?

Absolutely, with the availability of greater ICC and non-ICC funding, the establishment of more professional administrative structures and increased regional development programmes, we are well-placed to continue developing cricket in the region. Many of our Members have implemented terrific plans and programmes recently and we hear many positive developments in our countries in the areas of women's competitions, grass-roots developments and umpiring structures to just name a few.

• What do you think are the challenges that face the growth of game in your region?

In 2009, we experienced a significant deal of change with increased funding and new reporting systems as just two drivers. This has required a change in roles and responsibilities for people that have occupied certain positions for a quite a while in many Member countries. We need to ensure that we are developing people with appropriate skills and placing them in appropriate roles. If we get this right, it can be a powerful asset but if this is not managed well, it can provide many challenges.

• What are your plans for junior and women's cricket for next year?

We have the Pepsi ICC EAP Women's Cricket Trophy scheduled from 3-7 May 2010 in Japan and that will promise to be a great tournament with the winner progressing to the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier. We also have the inaugural Pepsi ICC EAP U17 Cricket Trophy and this is scheduled for September/October 2010 in Vanuatu. This ensures we have a suitable pathway from U15s, U17s to U19s and then senior cricket.

• What has been your favourite Development cricket moment of the year?

Personally for me, the ICC Annual Conference 2009 in London was a highlight, particularly having the privileged opportunity to play cricket on the Nursery Ground at Lord's with friends from around the EAP region. Also to mention, seeing Vanuatu achieve Associate Membership and PNG qualify for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2010 have also been highlight moments.

• What are you most excited about in cricket in your region in 2010?

I am very keen to see us consolidate from the progress made during 2009. We have worked hard on establishing structures and investing in people and we look forward to that work reaping rewards and seeing more cricket competitions being conducted.

• PNG and Indonesia have shown tremendous initiatives in the recent past. How useful are these initiatives in the growth of cricket in schools?

PNG and Indonesia have implemented tremendous initiatives and these were useful in many schools and children getting involved in cricket. Indonesia has a substantial U15 development programme in conjunction with its main sponsor Ultramilk that involves 20,000 juniors and delivered through many schools throughout Indonesia. PNG has established an 'Emerging Stars' scholarship programme in conjunction with its main sponsor Brian Bell that supports general education as well as cricket for boys and girls aged 13 to 16.