Singapore Keen To Re-Emerge As A Major Cricket Destination
https://www.forbes.com/sites/trista...-to-re-emerge-as-a-major-cricket-destination/
There were rumors in the early years of the money-spinning Indian Premier League being lured there, with Singapore boasting a strong South Asian culture, while a T20 match between Australia and Sri Lanka was once mooted. During a long period as a cricket nomad, due to security issues at home, Pakistan also considered using Singapore as a base.
"We do want major cricket to be played there (national stadium). We have good relations with Sport Singapore (government agency) and use their connections to try to get cricket to the main stadium," long-time Singapore Cricket Association chief Mahmood Gaznavi told me during an interview in Singapore.
These efforts to promote Singapore have led to talks with representatives from several T20 and T10 franchise leagues. Singapore has not had a permanent cricket base since 2016, but recently unveiled a new facility at West Coast Ground with a cricket pitch, nets, gym and sheltered training area.
"We have a lease there until 2029 and can accommodate small scale cricket," Gaznavi said. "Land is sparse in Singapore, which is a challenge."
Singapore is also planning to get on the T20 franchise circuit, with a proposed league in the works.
"We are getting the ball rolling," Gaznavi said. "There are restrictions for Associate countries with how many Full Member players can play and we know that it would probably lose money in the early stages.
