Malaysia launches National Cricket Centre for long-term growth

Malaysia Cricket has announced a strategic coaching restructuring with the launch of the MCA National Cricket Centre to drive their 10-year vision.

Central to the restructure is the expanded role of renowned international coach Dav Whatmore, who will serve as Director of Cricket and also Senior Men’s Head Coach. The former Australian international will establish a fully aligned national support structure across performance, analytics, and pathway integration.

Whatmore wanted a unified playing philosophy to inform Malaysia’s cricketing identity.

“Malaysia has strong raw potential and a genuine appetite to grow. The key now is alignment ensuring that from Under-19 to the senior squad, we operate under one clear playing identity and performance philosophy,” said Whatmore.

“My focus will be on building depth, raising standards in preparation, and creating a high-performance culture that can consistently compete in Asia and beyond over the next decade.”

The new framework places strong emphasis on MCA consolidating its structures to ensure sustained excellence from grassroots to elite level.

Among other appointments include former Malaysia internationals Rakesh Madhavan, who takes charge of the senior women’s side, and Thushara Prabath Kodikara, who will lead the U19 Women’s programme. M Muniandy will continue as Men’s ‘A’ Team Coach.

A major pillar of the strategy is the creation of the MCA National Cricket Centre at Bayuemas Oval, which will serve as a year-round high-performance hub and central engine for player development.

Bilal Asad will head the National Cricket Centre, working closely with state associations to ensure consistent standards. MCA also seeks to ensure closer alignment between the various Centres of Excellence situated in the country.

MCA President Mahinda Vallipuram said the move is about strengthening the foundations of the sport in the country.

“As we look ahead to the next decade including multiple Asian Games, SEA Games, ICC cycles, and the Olympic Games it is critical that we strengthen our foundations.

“We are not reinventing the wheel; we are learning from leading Full Member nations and evolving from within. Our objective is simple: strengthen the house, consolidate our systems, and move forward together.

Malaysia last year hosted the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 to great success – India won the final, staged at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur – and the restructure signals MCA’s intentions to build on those foundations.