Aminul continues China Cricket mission

Former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam has just completed the latest leg of his tour of China as part of his mission to help develop the game in the country. Aminul spent much of November in Liaoning Province, covering Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chaoyang, Linhai and Shanghai on his journey.

One of only two international cricketers to speak Chinese, Aminul believes the last few weeks have been particularly valuable on his mission.

"Liaoning Province is a strategic location for sports development since the most number of successful athletes (Olympic and Non-Olympic) come from this province," said Aminul.

"Cricket development in China is progressing at a consistent pace and as per the plan," he added.

As part of his work he served as a Match Referee at the ACC Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup in Guangzhou, a tournament won by India but containing some creditable displays from the host nation.

Shenyang have been the national champions in men's and women's cricket in China for the past five years and is host to a Sport University that provides excellent training facilities to local players. Aminul commented: "Every year they have a new intake of cricketers and the number is getting high." 

The Bangladeshi also conducted a Level 1 Coaching and Umpiring Course at Tongji University, Shanghai, which is another area of growth for the game in China.

The 44-year-old explained: "The Shanghai Cricket Association is doing an excellent job to develop cricket in Shanghai and the neighbouring cities. They are going to form a University Cricket Association with all universities involved in cricket in China with the help of the CCA. In 2013, approximately 25 to 30 new schools are going to be introduced to cricket by the Shanghai Cricket Association."

Meanwhile, a new ground is being planned for Linhai, close to transport links, and is another area considered to be of strategic importance.

With cricket now introduced to children in 10 of China's 22 provinces there is still plenty of work to be done when Aminul returns in January, but progress is encouraging.

"China cricket (an ACC and ICC Special Project) is growing in every aspect from team performance to player and facilities development," Aminul concluded.