Matthew Kennedy, the ICC Global Development Program Manager. Photo Courtesy Bikash Karki/Republica

Matthew Kennedy, the ICC Global Development Program Manager, is in Kathmandu for the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 5. He joined International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2000 and has been serving in the current position since January, 2004. On Thursday, in between his meetings, Kennedy talked with Cricket Nepal about the Program and the tournament. Excerpts:

Cricket Nepal: Let’s begin with the ICC Global Development Program. What it is?

Matthew Kennedy: The ICC Development Program began in 1998 and it’s a global program broken into five regions. So, there is five regional development program based in Melbourne for East Asia Pacific, in Kuala Lumpur for Asia, in Toronto for America, in Johanesburg for Africa and London for Europe. The aim of the Program is to try and promote cricket in 94 Associate and Affiliate member countries.

What are the activities of the program?

The program is split into five sections. The High Performance Program (HPP) which is about focusing on best six Associate members and try to bridge their gaps to the Full members. There is a regional development program which concentrates on junior development, education of coaches and umpires, facilities development as well as regional competitions.

There is a development event section, which looks after WCL, that’s why we are here in Nepal this week, the Intercontinental Cup, the Intercontinental Shield and the World Twenty20 qualifier which happened in Dubai last week.

There is women’s cricket development as a standalone function across all the regional regions. And, there is member support and comply function which is assisting members to have plans and budgets so they can make and achieve their objectives and goals.

It has been more than 12 years since the program began. What are its achievements?

In that time, we had 45 members at that time, now we have 104 members and that’s a significant growth. It has been only 4-5 years since we integrated women’s cricket. But without a doubt, the biggest achievement in the period is the development of international competition structures: the WCL and the Intercontinental Cup. And, [there is] the opportunity and access for every member to work their way through regional competitions into the WCL, and if they are good enough, all the way through to the World Cup or the World Twenty20.

The top level of cricket is confined in a few nations. How do you see the top level expanding?

It all comes down towards trying to ensure the HPP plays a big role and making the countries strong enough to surprise, and consistently doing so, at the highest levels. In every country, it’s a different approach. In some countries where cricket is popular, like in Nepal where people know what cricket is, and in some other countries where cricket is not so popular as some other sports; so we have different approach and programs what we are trying to achieve.

To go at the top level, the countries have to become strong enough on the field by having good participation, structure and education.

Is it your first visit to Nepal?

Actually no. I have been here to participate in an ICC Development Committee meeting here in November 2005. That was brief.

How do you evaluate Nepal’s hosting of the WCL Div 5?

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and all the volunteers have done a fantastic job. It’s not easy to put on an international tournament like this. So the venues were fantastic and it’s exciting when you go to the field. I had meetings all way, but certainly I have been at IOE and TU for a half-day each, and I am sure that there will be fantastic environment tomorrow [Friday] at all grounds as there are interesting matches.

Do you think the decision to hold the event in Nepal was a wise one?

Definitely. Nepal has put on a fantastic event. There is still two days to go but the promotion, the support of the media including the live broadcasting on television, is quite unique to Nepal. There are not many associates that could have achieved it.

Cricket Nepal's Ujjwal Acharya interviewing Matthew Kennedy. Photo by Bikash Karki

Do you see the performance of the teams in WCL improving?

I think we are at the crossroads of the WCL. We are still at the early stage of the WCL with the promotion/relegation throughout the world. It will still take a few years for countries to find their positions. We will certainly see them settle down soon and the countries will challenge to go to the next level or be challenged by the lower division team. This is going to make it really exciting cricket.

What WCL does is it provides any team to progress all the way. An example is Afghanistan [Afghanistan went all the way to Division 2 from Division 5].

How Nepal can improve?

Exactly what it seems it is doing now – work way up the ladder. Nepal historically has some very good results at U-19 level in past six to seven years. I think the big challenge for Nepal is to translate those successes at the junior level into the senior team and the senior team should really have an ambition to break into the top 10 of the associate and affiliates nations. I know there are plans to do that.

There have been some criticisms to the program. The first is of course ICC focusing more on commercialization of the sports than the development. How do you refute it?

There is no need to refute it. In term of commercialization of the games, the ICC has broadcast partners and sponsorships with all major events. And, all the money is distributed towards all members that why country like Nepal and USA have the funding, which has tripled in past 12 months. From 2008 to 2009, there is a huge jump in the support that the ICC is able to give to countries.

All funding mechanism to all our members is based on the funding policy and we try to help everybody reach their potential and create new markets.

Yet another criticism is that the program is not concerned about developing homegrown players at the time when some of the nations are competing with expatriates only. What you have to say?

In terms of the national team, we have a very clear rules which says you need to be national of the country or living and playing cricket in the country for past seven years and you can only have two players who have played in the country for last four years. So, those rules are consistent for everybody. The key is not so much about making of the national team, in my view as long as they are eligible by rules, they are eligible to play at the ICC.

The key to development of the game is to make it sustainable. In different country, there is different makeup. In some, expatriate population has played really an important role in making cricket sustainable.

Do you see that in future the program helps to get more homegrown players?

Almost, there are may be second generation immigrants from the Test-playing countries but in future we will see many people born and grown in the country working their way to the system. The growing number of active participant number is showing that.

Cricket Nepal talked with Paras, 23, about the event. Excerpts:

How was the preparation for the event?

We practiced for nearly one-and-half months. We have always played well in Nepal and we know the situation. We played practice matches on all three grounds and if we could utilize all this, we will have good results.

How important is the event?

This event carries big importance for us. This is a qualifier for the Division 4. If we could not do well, our World Cup dreams will be ruined. More than half of the players have played for 7 or 8 years. I feel if we could not progress, we should give youngsters a chance.

What’s our aim in the WCL Div 5?

Of course to win the event. Our first aim will be to be in the final and qualify for the Division 4. We always play for wins and we will take match-by-match.

Which players you have put more faith on for good performance?

I have hoped much from the opening batsmen. It’s not easy for openers to stay long on the pitches but if they give us a start, the middle-order can go well. Many of the players have played together for long and I believe this is an opportunity for all to show their capacity.

What’s the team’s strength?

I believe, the support from spectators and the condition here are our biggest strength. Home support will play a big role. Other teams, I believe, have no experience of playing in front of a big crowd. During earlier events, while we played well with crowd, other teams were little nervous.

Isn’t there pressure to play well on home turfs?

No pressure, we enjoy playing at home. When the crowd chants names of us, it gives a different enthusiasm.

Your coach believes you are a key player. What you expect from yourself?

Certainly, I have a big role as a captain. I am an all-rounder as a player and if I could contribute well, it encourages other players. I want to be exemplary. I have told all my teammates that this is the event to perform well if we want to take cricket forward and they all have understood this well.

Cricket Nepal talked to Dias, the former Sri Lankan Test player, during USA’s practice match against Kathmandu at the TU Cricket Ground. Excerpts:

How was the preparation for the tournament?

Preparation has been very good. I had a lot of time, one and half month. In between we had a lay off for a week which was good for rest. We have been practicing at Bhaktapur and TU. So for me, everything is ready now.

How do you look forward to this event?

It’s a very, very important tournament for Nepal cricket. And, also for all others team. Fiji and USA are here much before the event; this shows how important this tournament is for them too.

What’s the target for Nepal?

Our target is to win every game. I am not thinking of the last game; first of all we have to finish the game against Jersey in Bhaktapur. By the time we come to the last game, we will know our position. We are taking one game at a time.

The boys are geared up; they know how important the tournament is.

Are you looking forward to play the final?

Of course. Because it’s for the promotion from Division 5 to 4.

Which country do you think will be the toughest opponent?

If you take Fiji and Jersy, they have already played in Div 4. So they must have a little bit experience of playing top sides of Div 4.

But I would rate USA as a strong side because they have just returned from the World Cup Twenty20 qualifier tournament. As I watch them playing here, I feel they are a good side. There are West Indians and a few Pakistanis and Indians. We have played them in Jersey [earlier Div 5 where Nepal defeated USA to finish third].

So I feel USA and Jersey are strong side. But you cannot take out any other team. It’s an open tournament.

How strong is Nepal?

We are a very good side. On papers, every player can bat. Bowling, we have a good combination of fast and spin – the best available.
If you have to name a key player?

Captain Paras Khadka will be a very important person not only as a player but also as a captain. He is a very intelligent cricketer. Then we have Mehboob Alam, who has not flared as we have expected in a last few months possibly because of his fitness and all. But for this tournament, he has trained very hard. It’s also important tournament for him also because it’s on the home country where he is the most popular cricketer. Then, Dipendra Chaudhary has matured as a cricketer.

For coach Roy Dias, how important is the tournament?

Very, very important. I think the most important tournament that I would take part as a coach of Nepal.

We will be playing at home ground and in front of huge crowd. Would it be pressure or advantage for the Nepal team?

I don’t think it would be a pressure. It would be an advantage. They know the fans will be supporting them and they know they have to play well for the fans. Nepal is a lucky venue for Nepal.

What are your words to the fans?

They have to behind the players, support them. And, whatever the outcome is, they have to support the team because they too want to perform well.

Congratulations for being named the captain. How do you feel?

Thank you. One can obviously feel excited at this time. It´s a great privilege but with it comes great responsibility.

Was becoming the national captain your dream?

When I started playing I hardly knew I would make it this far. But, with time, hard work, determination and luck on my side I have managed to come this far.

To play for the country is the best feeling ever. I just wanted to play cricket for my country and if captaincy comes my way, it´s a great privilege but like I said with it comes tremendous responsibility. So, I never imagined I would be a captain of the national team. It´s a dream and it will only be worth something if we as a country win major tournaments.

What is your aim as the captain?

To lead from the front. To establish a cricket culture in our country where the passion is growing everyday, I want to see our cricket players get more than what they´re getting at present. We have amazing talents and just need the right exposure.

You became captain at a time when the team is lagging behind due to losses in crunch matches. Do you think your captaincy will be catalyst for the victories?

I want the team to play as a unit, forget everything once we enter the field and only concentrate on wining and give 100 %. A captain is only as good as his players to win.

We have to win important matches and, as players, all of us know it. What happened in the past is something we don´t want to focus too much on. We have to look forward, learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.

What could be the areas you will be looking to work on to better the results?

We have been playing well in tournaments but just that odd crucial game that we have been losing. May be, it´s a mental thing that we need to focus more than anything else.

You will be guiding a team that has players senior to you and two former national captains. Do you feel pressure?

I have been playing for the senior team for the past 5 years. We are all friends and brothers as a unit. For all of us, the main concern is how to make winning a habit. It doesn´t matter who´s who. It all comes down to those 11 players on the particular day and playing for the country.

What kind of support would you expect from them?

I have the support of all the players. I just want them to take pride in playing for the country. Now, it´s time to show what talent there is in the Nepali cricket.

Your first assignment will be ACC Twenty20 Elite Cup. What results you expect from the event?

It´s a 20-20 format and it´s very unpredictable as we all know. We as players are taking it one match at a time. All the teams are well prepared and so are we. It´s more about going and performing at this stage of our careers.

Which nations you see as tough opponents for Nepal? Why?

The Middle East countries have those Indian n Pakistani players. We can expect a tough fight from them but like I said 20-20 is an exciting and unpredictable format. It´s all about who can handle the pressure and we are geared up for this event.

Someday, you will retire as the national captain, what legacy you want to leave as a captain for people to remember you?

I just want to be remembered as someone who led from the front, who played his heart and soul for the country and gave his bloody best every time. Hopefully, have a closet full of trophies and establish a cricket culture where youngsters can jell in any day and find that hunger and passion to do well for the country.

As the ACC Development Manager, what are your impressions about cricket in Nepal?

There is no problem in regard to junior cricket, but there is certain amount of blockade from junior to senior cricket. This problem boils down to a couple of areas. One is the facilities that Nepal has – good high class grounds, pitches, indoor/outdoor practice facilities.

There is a huge gap from under-19 level and senior. U-19 have tournaments and then after only seniors. There should be under-22/23 tournament. I am happy to note that South Asian Games cricket will be U-21 and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is also looking for something for U-23. ACC is working programs with CAN to develop basic facilities in various regions like in Birgunj and Bhairahawa.

What things you think Nepal needs to improve on?

There is enough land to develop cricket facilities. With ICC fund coming in from 2009, we want to have professional CAN with permanent CEO, accountant, national coach and development manager which is compulsory according to ICC funding policy. Once these positions are filled, and with ICC fund, I believe that new facilities could be developed and cricket will grow. But there need to right person – no nepotism appointment.

About players, they are not mentally strong enough in senior level. When they play in Nepal in front of 10,000 supporters, they are strong but they need to learn to play strongly when 10,000 people against them; that’s in important factor.

How can players’ be made mentally strong ?

There should be better understanding with India because the Nepali players do not need visa or something like that to go to India.CAN is working out on proposals on that and I am sure that they will do some ties.

There is need of longer version of cricket – three/four-day cricket. Nepal is good at shorter version of game but they need to play longer cricket to improve skills, temperament and mental strength.

A Nepali player only gets 4 or 5 matches a year in domestic cricket. What’s your view on our domestic cricket ?

That’s not enough. They need to get at least 9 to 12 days of cricket per tournament. CAN has to change the structure. That’s the base to develop cricket skills – batting, bowling and fielding. With ICC funding coming, we have gone through the shortcomings of Nepal’s cricket and working on ways to improve on them.

They need to put on professional level domestic structure in 2009 to get the ICC money. If they do not put that, I will not be recommending ICC to give Nepal any money.

What do you say about CAN ?

We must be thankful to CAN for their voluntary works on their own for the game of cricket. But unfortunately, they are working guys and they can not involve in CAN full time; we would like to see people doing this for ages without any payment or arrangement continuing their support. But professional things need to be handled by professionals as Nepal is moving from a friendly cricket playing nation to a serious nation. That’s also because the ICC funds will depend on Nepal’s ranking which can only be higher when seniors play well.

There was no Asian nation in the last/next World Cup. That must be embarrassing thing for ACC, wasn’t it?

Yes. We had three nations in qualifiers for next World Cup – UAE, Oman and Afghanistan. We helped them with all possible support. The whole idea is we have to develop players. For Ireland, most of their players are playing in England in counties; likewise Afghanistan does well as they play in Pakistan. Without support of Test nations, it’s difficult for Associate nations to qualify. The other concern is expatriate players – they play two years and go.

So, we want ethnic locals to play cricket otherwise ACC money is spent for what – on Pakistanis and Indians; that’s not good.

How popular is cricket in your country?
Cricket is a game that has been gaining popularity in Nepal and is now the second most popular game only after soccer. There has been a continuous increase in the number of players being involved in cricket and the number of cricket tournaments in all the six development regions has also increased.

What challenges do you face in the growth of the game?
The challenge for the growth of cricket in Nepal is infrastructure development. We have a limited number of grounds and the maintenance of the ground is a difficult task.

How much schools cricket is available in your country to aid the future development of players?
There has been a lot of involvement of schools in the U-15 Cricket tournaments in Nepal as it is an inter-school cricket tournament and there are a lot of schools participating. We expect the numbers of schools competing in this tournament to continue to rise.

What are your expectations for the event and how far do you think you will be able to progress through the WCL structure?
We are very confident of securing first or second position in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 tournament and qualifying for World Cricket League Division 4 tournament to be held in Tanzania as we have been practising hard for this tournament. We certainly are looking forward to progressing through every WCL and reaching the World Cup qualifier.

Do you think cricket in your country will be in a very different position to its current state in ten years time? What are the reasons for this?
Yes, Nepal will probably play the ICC Cricket World Cup in ten years time as cricket is very much growing in this nation – it can even overtake soccer as the most popular game in the country. Besides the Cricket Association of Nepal, many schools, clubs and colleges have been regularly conducting various tournaments and have been increasing prizes to the participating teams and the outstanding players. Nepal is expecting to play in the ICC World Cup Cricket and in ten years time we believe that it is possible.

Originally appeared in WCL Div 5 Official Site

His PCB Academy played three one-day matches against Nepal winning two and suffering an upset loss in the last. At the end of his first ever Nepal visit, Ahmed shared a few thoughts about Nepali cricket and more with NepalCricket.com. Here are the excerpts:

After playing three matches against Nepal, what you have to say about Nepali cricket?

They have the talent; they can build a team, no doubt about it. Only the problem is facilities. If you could give them proper environment and facilities, Nepal can go up. Unless there are facilities, you can not create a good team. Cricketers have the talent, so it now up to management to give them the facilities.

For me, the most important thing is also creating interest among people. Of course there were a good number of people on the last match, but there should be more of them. There were three or four good players playing against us. They played like a team so team spirit is there and that’s a good point.

What one thing of Nepali team impressed you most?

Team spirit. Whenever they got an opportunity, they were all charged up. This is a very good sign for a team dreaming to go at the top level.

What difference you found between Nepali and Pakistani players?

I think, Pakistani players have talent and they got more facilities. Sri Lanka were at one time where Nepal is. Kenya were and Bangladesh were but they provided facilities to the players and that have paid for them.

Did Nepal meet your pre-tour expectations?

Frankly, I expected better than this. I expected better facilities, better environment. When I came to know there is only one ground, it was really disappointing for me.

In terms of cricketing, did you expect such a result in Nepal?

Definitely. You know, cricket is a very funny game. Even one ball can change the match. Any bigger team can fall apart and any weaker team can win. Like Bangladesh Kenya and this year Ireland did to us.

Although my team is not a Pakistan national team, there are four players who have played for Pakistan and others are knocking on the doors. So, I believe it’s a great achievement for Nepal to beat us today. They will now go with higher confidence in the Div 5 and I hope they will win there. And, we will be happy.

What needs to be done to improve Nepali cricket?

There is only one ground. You need more grounds and better pitches. You need flat batting tracks where bowlers get more difficulty bowling to batsmen. For batsmen, it will be easier to score runs, and if they score hundreds, it will build their confidence. You can expect to improve batting of a team making them play on the pitches where they can not make shots, and ball turns and bounces uneven.

What specifically needs to be improved in batting, bowling and fielding?

They need to improve a lot in all that. While batting, they either block it or hit it. They need to improvise which is not there, that’s because of the track. You can get singles at mid-on or mid-off on this turning and uneven bouncing track. If you let them play on batting wickets, they will know how to steal runs.

In bowling, you need to find out heavy built youngsters who can bowl really fast. If you have academy, you need to find such boys of 15 to 16 years old and teach them how to bowl.

Do you feel Nepal can qualify for the World Cup?

Yes. They have started the journey to it. If they get the facilities here, they can make it. And, I am not just saying it, I mean it.

NepalCricket.com: What are your views regarding the ongoing ACC U-15 Elite Cup in Nepal?

Syed Ashraful Huq: The tournament is very good and well organized. The two grounds I have seen are good. There is lots of enthusiasm here, and the crowds are very good. I am encouraged and I think Nepal has a good future in cricket. I haven’t any complaints on the organization and Nepal is a viable venue for a range of future tournaments. There are maybe a few things that could have been done better, but it’s a learning experience and they will do it better next time, I am sure.

NepalCricket.com: What is the ACC’s stand on the disqualification of seven teams from the tournament?

Syed Ashraful Huq: It is a matter of principle. When we have age-group tournaments we have to ensure that the correct age-group plays. There is a lot of difference between a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, physically and skill-wise. It’s unfair for a child under-15 to play against somebody who is 17 or 18 in a tournament which is specifically designed for fifteen-year olds. We must ensure that a level playing field is given to all the teams in the age-group tournaments. Our primarily responsibility is to the players and their parents.

We want them to enjoy their cricket in an environment where their competitive skill is not disadvantaged in any way. In the bigger picture, the integrity of the tournament is at stake. Age-group tournaments are just that – only for the age-group in question.

For these reasons, we have introduced this rigorous age-verification program. We want to verify that the players representing their countries are the true age. Our method is tried, tested and proven – so we stand by the results. It’s unfortunate that so many teams have been disqualified this time. There were teams with nine, eight and seven over-age players and this is wrong.

The players should be truthful about their ages; their parents should be truthful about it. It’s unfortunate that many parents bring down the ages to give their children more opportunities on and off the field. What we have done in not allowing any players who are found to be too old to play in this tournament is a matter of principle. We are playing by the rules. If a player is out, he’s out. That’s’ cricket. As you can see, that has meant the tournament which started with ten teams didn’t end up with ten but that doesn’t matter to us as administrators because we want to see fair play. We cannot nd will not allow rules to be broken and then overlook them. We are trying to establish a system and we have to do this.

NepalCricket.com: What have been the reactions to the ACC’s principles?

Syed Ashraful Huq: I have got very encouraging telephone calls and e-mails from high-up people of the cricket-world. Many have congratulated us for being so bold and straight forward. To the neutral it is very clear that when playing-rules are not followed a team should be disqualified.

NepalCricket.com: Why did the ACC disqualify teams during the event? Many are saying it should have been done before or after the tournament.

Syed Ashraful Huq: I am glad you asked me this. We have been sending emails to all the countries three months ago telling them to get the players ready, send us the necessary medical information, and then neutral doctors would assess the scans. It’s not possible for us to send somebody to all the countries to do it. Nepal did it, they found all 20 players overage; the second time they did it, with the same results.

They wanted to do it third time but were left without time. Let me just say here that when the doctors look at the medical information they have no idea who the players are or where they’re from. To the doctors it is just data, which they look at as scientists.

We asked all the countries to send us the players’ data well in advance of the tournament start on November 25, but none of them complied; none of them sent us the data. They select the team late and arrive in Nepal hoping that they have players who are able to play in the ACC U-15 Elite Cup.

Whose fault is it? It is not our fault; it’s their fault. It’s an international tournament, the players are playing for their country. It should be a highlight of a young man’s life but they are put forward either by themselves or their parents to the boards and the boards then do not do the necessary things to ensure the players who play for them will be the right age.

The boards could say they are part-timers; not professional, but we give them enough grants to do all these things.

As for announcing the results of the doctors’ findings after the tournament finishes and thus holding a fake U-15 tournament knowing that players are over-age is an impossibility. I cannot believe anyone in their right mind would even suggest it! The basic principle is this – an U-15 tournament has to have the players of the right-age group.

NepalCricket.com: Since ACC hasn’t named the over-age players, wouldn’t it put unnecessary psychological pressure on the honest players?

Syed Ashraful Huq: The boys aren’t complaining. It is the boards who are complaining! The boards are the ones who are feeling the pressure. We are not in the job of assigning blame. The players ages have been verified, they are in their countries’ and our database and in future age-group tournaments they will be able to participate if selected by their countries based on their ability and they are the right age.

NepalCricket.com: Are you confident that this will not happen again in the future?

Syed Ashraful Huq: It entirely depends on the boards and parents of the boys. But I am hopeful because this has been an eye-opener. There is no point becoming the U-15 champions with U-17 players. It’s nothing but cheating.