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ICC President Ehsan Mani today
congratulated all of the participants in the ICC Intercontinental
Cup 2004 and pledged the ICC’s continued support to the global
development of cricket.
“Over the last nine months, the ICC Intercontinental Cup has seen
three-day international cricket played in 11 different countries,”
said Mr Mani.
“I congratulate the players of all 12 teams who have participated
in the 15 matches this season.
“Many of those involved, often amateurs, have made professional
and personal sacrifices to follow the dream of representing their
country.
“The ICC is highly committed to the development of our sport.
Since the launch of the ICC Development Program in 1997, the
number of ICC member countries has almost doubled.
“While our international cricket network has expanded way beyond
its traditional boundaries, we have also been able to provide our
members with an ever-increasing number of competitive
opportunities, to help bring about improvement in playing
standards.
“I believe this first ICC Intercontinental Cup has been a
tremendous success in delivering access to three-day cricket to
our developing nations. I hope it will provide a foundation for
the growth of the first-class game outside of our Full Member
countries.”
Mr Mani continued by thanking the
Emirates Cricket Board and the two venues for hosting the
inaugural finals.
“We owe a large debt of gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board
for hosting the semi-finals and final of this inaugural ICC
Intercontinental Cup,” said Mr Mani.
“The United Arab Emirates has shown tremendous commitment to the
development of our sport over the last year, hosting the ICC Six
Nations Challenge in March and now this event.
“I offer sincere thanks to Abdulrahman Bukhatir and the staff of
the Emirates Cricket Board for their commitment to the successful
organisation of these finals.
“I also thank the
two host venues, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Zayed Cricket
Stadium in Abu Dhabi for making their cricket facilities available
for this event. The venues have provided a first-class backdrop to
this first-class event.” |
