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Namibia Cricket Chief Praises ICC's Jay Shah for Empowering Associate Nations

Cricket Namibia President Rudie van Vuuren has commended ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his role in empowering associate cricket nations and improving their infrastructure, citing the development of a new stadium in Windhoek. Van Vuuren emphasized that Africa's emerging nations are narrowing the gap with ICC backing and that associate members represent the future of the sport. Meanwhile, Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus expressed disappointment over not receiving a night training session before their T20 World Cup match against India, highlighting the team's lack of experience with floodlit conditions. Namibia is set to face defending champions India in New Delhi, with both squads announced for the crucial encounter.

Key Points: Namibia Cricket President Lauds ICC's Jay Shah for Associate Support

  • ICC empowering associate members
  • Jay Shah praised for infrastructure support
  • Namibia's training setback before India match
  • Associate nations seen as cricket's future
2 min read

Cricket Namibia president Rudie van Vuuren lauds ICC Chairman Jay Shah for strengthening associate nations

Cricket Namibia's Rudie van Vuuren praises ICC Chairman Jay Shah for strengthening associate nations and infrastructure ahead of Namibia's T20 World Cup match vs India.

"Jay Shah has really brought significant change there. - Rudie van Vuuren"

New Delhi, February 12

Cricket Namibia President Rudie van Vuuren has praised the International Cricket Council and Chairman Jay Shah for their efforts to empower associate nations and improve cricket infrastructure, acccording to a release.

"The ICC has adopted a policy of empowering associate members. Jay Shah has really brought significant change there. He was in Windhoek visiting our new stadium and discussing how the ICC has helped us develop that facility. Now, suddenly, we have those high-performance facilities." Cricket Namibia President said.

"Africa has nations like Namibia coming forward because of the ICC's backing, so that gap will continue to narrow. We must make use of these opportunities to showcase our talent and show the world that associate members are the future of cricket," Rudie Van Vuuren added.

Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus expressed disappointment as his side was not given a light training session before their ICC Men's T20 World Cup fixture against India in New Delhi.

Namibia will take on the defending champions India on Thursday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Erasmus said it was a missed opportunity for Namibia, who don't have the infrastructure at home to play matches or even train under lights."We haven't got any lights in Namibia. Infrastructure-wise, it's probably the challenge for us. So yeah, it's not a casual thing. Barring the guys who have played in the Nepal Premier League, ILT20 and the World Cups we have played, you don't get accustomed to lights and train under it very often," Erasmus said on the eve of the match against India.

"Yeah, we haven't been given night training before this game. I don't know why. I think India have two night trainings and I see outside that Canada are going to have a night training now. So make of that what you want, but we'll just rock up and do our Namibian way, which is to fight," he added.

T20 World Cup squads: India Squad: Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar. Namibia Squad: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (captain), JJ Smit, Zane Green (wicketkeeper), Ruben Trumpelmann, Dylan Leicher, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Ben Shikongo, Jack Brassell, Jan Balt.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the ICC's efforts being recognized. But the part about Namibia not getting a night training session is disappointing. If we are truly hosting to grow the game, all teams should have equal access to facilities for preparation. Hope this is looked into for future tournaments.
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Rohit P
Namibia's captain has a point. They come from a place with no lights for training and then aren't given a chance to practice under lights here? That's not fair play. We should be better hosts. On the other hand, kudos to Jay Shah for the infrastructure push in associate nations. Long-term thinking!
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love seeing the game expand. Namibia fighting spirit is always admirable. Hope they put up a good show tomorrow despite the preparation hiccup. The future of cricket does need these emerging teams to be strong.
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Vikram M
BCCI's influence helping other cricket boards is a good thing. But we must also ensure a level playing field during tournaments. The scheduling and facility access should be impartial. Let's hope for a great match where both teams have prepared well. Jai Hind!
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Kavya N
Mixed feelings. Proud that Indian leadership is praised for global development. Yet, the training issue leaves a sour taste. "We'll just rock up and do our Namibian way" – what a brilliant, resilient attitude from their captain! Respect. 🏏

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