ICC Development meeting report (3 Sep 1999)

2 September 1999

ICC Development meeting report

The ICC's East Asia-Pacific Development Officer, Andrew Eade, reports on the recent ICC Development meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya.

"The full International Cricket Council Development team held its first annual conference in Nairobi, Kenya from August 7 - 13. In attendance were the five regional managers (Nasim Ul Ghani - Asia; Nigel Laughton - Europe; John Shepherd - Americas; Andrew Eade - East Asia Pacific and Hoosain Ayob - Africa), together with Global Manager Ross Turner and various other delegates.

The conference was designed as an important step in the evolving global development plan. It provided an opportunity to review progress thus far, compare regional perspectives and plan for the next 12 months. The three main areas covered were strategic planning, budgeting / finance and media liaison.

Kenya was chosen as the venue for the conference in recognition of its rapid development over the last few years and new status as a One Day International Country. There was also the opportunity to view facilities at Nairobi's Gymkhana and Nairobi Cricket Clubs. A special coaching day was hosted at the Nairobi Club featuring the Kenya National team and a large number of youngsters which was a great success.

Several leading officials of the ICC also made appearances at the conference. The input of Chief Executive David Richards and Development Committee Chairman Dr Ali Bacher was especially valuable as they are two of the key people behind the drive to take cricket to the world.

Several important recommendations came out of the week. Perhaps most exciting is the recommendation that the 2003 World Cup include 14 teams, while the 2007 World Cup include 16. This is obviously a wonderful incentive for emerging countries to push forward with their development programs."