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Delay in allocating cricket field affects the sport’s future

I am disappointed with the manner in which Sport Singapore (SportSG) has handled the national cricket team’s training venue requirements (“Singapore cricket’s plans hit for a six after losing ground”; July 21).

Playing on the Kallang field introduced a number of future national cricket players to the experience of competing on a pitch that conforms to international standards. TODAY file photo

Playing on the Kallang field introduced a number of future national cricket players to the experience of competing on a pitch that conforms to international standards. TODAY file photo

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Ajinkya Suhas Chougule

I am disappointed with the manner in which Sport Singapore (SportSG) has handled the national cricket team’s training venue requirements (“Singapore cricket’s plans hit for a six after losing ground”; July 21).

The delay in allocating an appropriate field to the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) affects the national team’s competitiveness and Singapore cricket’s future.

Some school tournaments were held at the Kallang venue for years and served as a pipeline for a number of future national players. Playing on the Kallang field introduced them to the experience of playing on a pitch that conforms to international standards.

Without that experience, their ability to be competitive, and Singapore’s ability to produce players who are competitive on the world stage, would be affected.

I am most puzzled that this decision was not made in the context of sporting considerations, as Singapore’s cricket team clearly has been on an upward trajectory in the international rankings over the past few years.

The SCA has made progress in developing the team and has the results to show for it, with the potential to go even further at the coming South-east Asian (SEA) Games.

The Kallang venue has been earmarked for one of ActiveSG’s multiple upcoming football academies. ActiveSG is an important initiative to involve Singaporeans in recreational sports, but it should complement, and not come at the expense of, Singapore’s competitive sports.

Furthermore, Singapore’s football woes would not be improved by having one more pitch. As a relatively smaller number of grounds are exclusively available for cricket, SportSG’s decision will affect the sport in the country in the long run.

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