Cricket NSW have taken another giant leap into the sport’s global ecosystem by joining forces with Sydney Cricket Club and the Chinese Cricket Association.
Spurred on by the return of cricket to the Olympic Games program, starting with LA 2028, the three parties have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding that will see CNSW and Sydney CC provide expertise to Chinese players, coaches and administrators.
As part of the agreement, the Chinese Men’s and Women’s National Cricket Teams have been living and training in Sydney over the past two months, utilising CNSW’s facilities at Cricket Central and Bankstown, along with Sydney Cricket Club’s Drummoyne Oval and Sydney University.
Cricket NSW and Sydney CC have provided a comprehensive high-performance training regime that has included skills and strategy development, strength and conditioning, nutrition advice, cross cultural learning experiences and practice matches.
The 50-odd Chinese contingent of players and staff have also enjoyed attending elite level cricket during their stay in Sydney including women’s international matches and the BBL.
The relationship between the three parties will continue to grow after the Chinese national teams depart Sydney, with training and competitive opportunities in development in both countries, including participation in NSW Premier Cricket via the Sydney club.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said:
“We have been delighted to be able to work with Sydney Cricket Club in building this relationship with the Chinese Cricket Association and over the last few months, the Chinese men’s and women’s national teams.
“Cricket NSW is becoming increasingly well known internationally for our ability to lead and deliver support across the entire high performance system which is something we are very proud of.
“We are looking forward to continuing to grow this partnership and helping China qualify for the Olympic Games.”
A Chinese Cricket Association spokesperson said:
“The Chinese Cricket Association is proud to be in partnership with Cricket NSW and the Sydney Cricket Club to accelerate the development of cricket in China from the grass roots to the elite level.
“Our national teams have benefitted greatly from the time spent in Sydney these past few months, and we look forward to exploring opportunities for further development with CNSW and SCC in the future.”
Rod Chapman, Chair of Sydney Cricket Club commented:
“The Sydney Cricket Club is a club without borders. Whilst we have a responsibility to grow the game in Sydney, through our relationships with Cricket NSW and SCG Cricket we also acknowledge cricket’s globalisation and we want to support that.
“We have the resources and desire to help others grow whilst at the same time offering huge opportunities for our players and members.”
Cricket NSW’s partnership with the Chinese Cricket Association adds to the organisation’s international links that include a high performance partnership with Washington Freedom, last year’s winner of America’s Major League Cricket.
