Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-President, Cricket Federation Uzbekistan (CFU), Aziz Mihliev hoped that the game of cricket would become the popular and fashionable sports in Uzbekistan very soon along with boxing and football, as cricket is being played in 8 provinces of the country at the present.
During an exclusive interview with international sports website www.sports-bulletin.com he added: “There are 13 provinces of Uzbekistan and cricket is being played in the 8 provinces regularly and youth are keen to play cricket at club level. We have an international standard cricket ground in the capital city Tashkent and we are capable of organizing international competitions in our country, “he said.
“At the present 2000 people are attached to cricket and running their affairs smoothly at club level. There are six to 10 cricket clubs in eight provinces. Our major priority is to associate with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stream-line the cricket affairs at national and international level. We have completed our paper-work regarding ICC and we will be associate member of the top cricket body of the world in next six to seven months, “he replied to a question.
To a question, Aziz said that Kurash, a martial art game, was the national sport of Uzbekistan. “Soccer and boxing are the most popular sports in our country and in some areas Buz-Kush (this is top game in Afghanistan, which is played on horses) is also played regularly. We have a good dedicated and hard working team that is working day and night to uplift the standard of cricket in the country. We are optimistic for the bright future of cricket in Uzbekistan, “he maintained.
“We are not getting any financial support from the government but we have a couple of sponsors, who assist us during the abroad visits and in holding the national events. We will definitely track the government but first we want to take cricket to a certain level then we will ask the government to support us. CFU will manage the technical courses and hire the services of international coaches to enhance the knowledge of our national officials, “he said.
Head of Uzbek cricket said while responding to another question: “This is our first time in Pakistan and playing cricket in an identical atmosphere like our country. Certainly, our players will learn too much during this tour. We are planning to visit Romania, Bangladesh and Malaysia in the near future and we received invitations from there. When our players will play against other international opposition they will improve their game skills, “he concluded.
