Efforts on to broadbase US cricket

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">MUMBAI: One person heaving a big sigh of relief over the United States winning the ICC Six Nation Challenge series in Sharjah is P K Guha, 1st vice-president of the United States Cricket Association. Once associated with Canadian cricket, Guha was here in India some time ago looking for sponsors for the sport in the U.S. He says if properly marketed the sport is bound to take off in a few years time. <br /><br />Excerpts from the interview.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Your team is mostly composed of expats, when will the locals play?</span><br /><br />The US has been a member of the ICC since 1975. Since the last few years a lot of efforts have been on take the game to the grassroots, involve cities and schools and the breeding ground of sport, the universities. The NCAA has high standards as you know is sports like basketball, baseball, tennis. Some varsities interested in the game are Minnesota, Michigan, California and Avron. In time the scholarship system will be in place.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How much does the USSCA spend on the sport?</span><br /><br />Our budget is $ five million. The ICC contributes $one million.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Will you involve Indians in the development?</span><br /><br />Robin Singh and Chetan Chauhan had a camp for 30 kids in Chicago last year. The enthusiasm was good.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What''s the set-up of US cricket?</span><br /><br />We can''t play the sport from September to May, hence the need for indoor stadia and astroturf. There are nine regional directors. These directors are accountable for the standard of the game at grassroots. There are 400 clubs in eight divisons. About 10,000 players mostly from West Indies, England and Australia. Michigan has 28 teams, there are four leagues in Chicago in three divisions.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What are the immediate aims?</span><br /><br />Get proper funding and get into the main draw of the World Cup. Though Canada''s promotion has been far inferior they played in two World Cups. But now we have beaten them twice and hope to go full steam ahead.<br /><br /><formid=367815><br /><br /><br /></formid=367815></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><br />US cricket profile<br /><br />Cricket is being played in all fifty states with the major cricket centers being New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Chicago and Texas.<br /><br />Currently there are 29 established leagues, 500 clubs and over 10,000 players. A national youth program was recently established.<br /><br />Throughout the United States there are several certified coaches, qualified umpires and many ex-national and test cricketers. <br /><br />Measurable Objectives over the next 5 years (2002-2006)<br /><br /><formid=367815><br /><br /><br /></formid=367815></div> </div><div class="section3"><div class="Normal"><br />1. Attain ODI status by 2006 and thereby qualify automatically for 2007 World Cup<br /><br />2. Win the following events <br /><br />a) ICC World Cup series competition 2004<br /><br />b) ICC Trophy 2005<br /><br />c) Americas Regional Championship (2002,2004,2006)<br /><br />d) Win or finish in second position in Americas Regional U-15, U-19 championship in 2002 and 2003<br /><br />e) Make a strong showing in other international tournaments where in a USA team shall participate eg. WICB limited overs competition<br /><br />3. Increase participation of players from its current 10,000 to 40,000 in a 5 year period<br /><br />4. Certify 2000 umpires within the 5 year period<br /><br />5. Certify 2000 coaches with at least 150 advanced certified coaches in the 5 year period<br /><br />6. Undertake a comprehensive review of:<br /><br />a) Organizational Structure <br /><br />b) Administrative structure <br /><br />c) Existing constitution by 2003<br /><br />d) Standard Rules for Competitions<br /><br />7. Host the following international tournaments:<br /><br />Americas U15 (2002)<br /><br />Americas U-19 (2005)<br /><br />Americas Championship (2006)<br /><br />Two visits from Full Member "A" teams (2003 & 2004)<br /><br />8. Embark on an aggressive promotion and advertising campaign:<br /><br />a) Increase the profile of the game by staging festival Cricket games <br /><br />b) And ODI games between Full members at various locations<br /><br />c) Increase the general media coverage of Cricket<br /><br />Source: Official US cricket website<br /><br /><formid=367815></formid=367815></div> </div>