Qatar keen to illustrate growth of the game

Qatar coach Aruna De Silva believes that the ACC Twenty20 Cup will be an opportunity to showcase the growing interest in the sport in his country.

For a full interview with the ICC website see below:

What preparations have you made for the event?

We have selected young players and have had three months of intensive coaching. Our team is also set to tour Sri Lanka to play two practice games.

How popular is cricket in your country?

We are to conduct more than three tournaments in the months to come and there have been around 35 teams that are willing to take part. Cricket is steadily growing in popularity here in Qatar and we are also thankful for being supported by the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Who are your key players going in to the event?

Our captain Umer Taj and Vice-captain Tamoor Sajjad are Twenty20 specialists and we hope that we can perform well with them leading the way.

How do you think you will get on in the event?

We have a very talented young side and in T20 it?s all about performing on that day so we are taking it one game at a time.

What are the current targets of cricket in Qatar?

We would like to develop the skill-set of young school children in the game of cricket. Women?s Cricket Development is also being largely focused on and we are working hard towards Associate membership.