Monday, September 17, 2007

Maldives cricket is for Maldivians and every one who loves cricket

Dear all cricket lovers. I am here with you guys. A recent comment on this blog asked why we were including expats in the Ramazan cricket carnival tournaments. Maldives cricket is definitely geared towards Maldivians. It’s all for us. But if we don’t find enough Maldivians and if there are requests for expatriates who love the game to be included in the teams then what can I do. It’s a free go to make teams with only Maldivians and I am for it but at the last moment we see teams coming up to play the game with 6 players, 7 players. Even yesterday I saw it happening. So why not give the opportunity to expatriates who are enthusiastic cricketers who contribute to the development of the game in Maldives. There are very good local players, but their commitment and motivation is quite low. They simply do not make the effort to come and play. And even if they do, its after much hard work by whoever is managing the team. In other instances there are teams who want to participate but no management to bring them together. Those who put the effort are the ones that are performing. So it’s open for demand. You all come with locals and tell us that you don’t need expatriates playing, then will surely do that. But we the Board is doing this for players with lot of effort and commitment from businesses. If we see teams with not enough players it is a shame for every body. So that’s why we give the opportunity for expatriates to also play in this carnival. See what is happening to the umpires and coaches. Why do we have to field expatriate umpires every time. Where are the local umpires? Come do the job rather than grumbling there for every effort we make. Cheers. The game is for the Maldivians and if we don’t have enough locals then we got to get others involved. Cheers and happy Ramazan to the readers of Maldives Blog. Ramazan Cricket Carnival is all about having fun. Its Ramazan’s Favourite Game. So enjoy.

Ahmed Hassan Didi
Vice Chairman
CCBM

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Need great managers and active clubs

Need great managers and active clubs

Cricket board is encouraging active club participation in our tournaments and cricket development. Huge financial remuneration was introduced this year compared to what we used to get. Our partners, the government and enthusiastic businesses are helping us to improve the financial status of the Board and provide more services to our clients, ie. clubs and players. But are the cubs responding? This was not the case of the last limited over tournament. At the start of the tournament CCBM listed the following criteria for clubs to receive financial assistance.

1. Must send practice schedule before 30th June 2007.
2. Daily attendance signed by coach, manager or captain……
3. 3 sessions per week – starting July 2007 – December 2007. (During the month of ramazan 02 practice session is enough to claim money)
4. Minimum no. of players per session (7) seven.
5. For every month a sum of MRF. 3000.00 will be paid if all papers are submitted before 10th of each month.
6. Money can be transferred to club account. (please open an account in the name of club)
Cricket Equipment
7. A valid purchase of cricket equipments upto MRF. 15,000.00 for each team is provided by the board till December 2007.
8. All supporting documents should be provided (ie. invoice, purchase order, receipts)
Can also send a purchase order from any sports shop (only cricket equipments) CCBM will make arrangements to issue the goods from the shop.
9. All teams must have their own cricket ball. (Tournament will be played using Cavalier 80 cricket ball)

How many teams followed this practice regime. Not many. Now they are asking CCBM to release funds allocated and they had a quick fix, which is to bring foreign players. Did our players practice, did they give the equipment to the players. Let team’s show the evidence.

Can I give this money to the clubs? Is this a healthy thing for Maldives cricket? Tell me. I hold on the original decision. The clubs can still get the allocated assistance if they fulfill the requirements. The National Tournament is ahead. Start practice and we will increase your allowance and give the players the necessary equipment and we will pay pack. Don’t ask for things you have to done. Its all for you, so submit the schedule, practice and prepare for the national tournament.

Cheers

Ahmed Hassan Didi
Vice chairman
CCBM

Cricket board will take action on poor behavior of players at the finals of the limited over cricket tournament

Cricket board will take action on poor behavior of players at the finals of the limited over cricket tournament.

Cricket is a difficult game to develop, especially in a country like the Maldives. And I can feel it, with all the hard work still lots of technical problems are there. But slowly it is getting better. Recent experience at the limited over cricket tournament has made me pause to think of the progress of the game. These things happen in a fluid environment. Is cricket moving forward and if it is, it is only because of enthusiastic cricket lovers. We are gaining more recognition and the financial status of the Board is improving. We have more to offer to players and clubs each year. But our players, particularly senior players need to be onboard for this to be successful. Board has its core values, and two of the 4 values, which is trust and caring (apart from focus and timeliness) is based on personal interaction which is building trust and caring for each other.

I am sad to say that this has being neglected in the last final match. It’s sad. Players appealed for a caught behind, umpire’s decision was not out. In the spirit of the game, the match has to continue. It did but the players protested. Abusive language was used and finally at the end of the game, one senior player came to the umpire and more protest and dissatisfaction occurred. What a temperament. Unfortunately the umpire reacted and it continued. This is the scene at the end of the final match and finally that particular team members did not attend the presentation.

Board considers such actions very seriously. It is with deep regret that the Board has decided to take the following disciplinary action against those involved in the incident.

1. Request all the involved parties to apologize to each other.
2. Fine the team for their action.
3. Suspend the player who verbally and physically abused the umpire from the Ramazan carnival and the first matches of the national tournament.
4. To fine the umpire for reacting to the situation.

These are the board’s decision on the incident. This is done not to punish the parties involved. But this negative reinforcement is to discourage such activities.
I understand we don’t have much professional people to take up the best jobs. I once again urge all cricketers at this moment to join up in the development of cricket - to hold the values and be a team to promote the game. Once the players stop coming and teams vanish there will no longer be cricket again in the Maldives. So senior players, enthusiastic cricketers please join us and make a difference.

Cheers

Ahmed Hassan Didi
Vice Chairman
CCBM