Over the years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has offered assistance to different countries when it comes to the gentleman’s game – cricket. From Afghanistan, Oman to Nepal, the cricket-loving countries have sought help from the world’s richest board from time to time. Now, Maldives is likely going to be yet another team requiring any sort of support in the foreseeable future. Thus, the BCCI manager Saba Karim is visiting the Island nation in the next two days, in a bid to understand the cricket in the country.
Concurrently, Afghanistan has set its base in Greater Noida followed by Dehradun.
Karim to fly Male for cricketing assignment:
According to the Mumbai Mirror, Karim will be flying to Male alongside employee of the board. Understandably, the motive of the visit is — to witness the cricket-related activity in the tiny county which is located in South Asia.
The report suggested that BCCI could also send coaches to the Island nation. The move comes in a bid to help the country — to help youngsters in grooming youngsters.
Solih is a cricket buff:
Interestingly, India and Maldives had reportedly reached the agreement when Maldives President – Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was in his brief visit to India in April. The members of the BCCI warmly welcomed him.
Also, Solih has witnessed a game of the recently-held Indian Premier League (IPL) between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). So much so, the BCCI’s highest person in authority has rolled out the red carpet at Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, it came following a request from the Ministry of External Affairs.
In between, Maldives cricket team is affiliated with the world cricket governing body – International Cricket Council (ICC). Meanwhile, the team is playing under the banner of Cricket Board of Maldives.
Notably, Solih has shown keen interesting in overhauling the cricket in the mini country.
Recently, in February 2019, veteran cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Reetinder Sodhi have partaken in the Air India team. The duo has featured in the ‘Friendship Cricket Series’ hosted by the local board in the Maldives.