Sierra Leone Cricket cries for standard ovals

As it strives to become one of the International Cricket Council (ICC) associate members, the Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA) is in desperate need of standard cricket ovals.

According to SLCA public relations officer Bockarie Alieu, the national team is currently preparing for the forthcoming Division 11 tournament and that a win will elevate the association from affiliate to associate member of ICC.

However, Alieu has expressed fear that should the team go on to win, it may still not be granted associate membership due to the lack of standard ovals.

“We have identified an area at Hastings where we want to construct an oval. We’ve held meetings with the airport authority on the issue but they are yet to get back to us,” Alieu said, adding that the Kingtom pitch is the only oval in the country.

He called on the Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports and the Director of Sports to quickly look into the issue as they the association is determined to lift the team to a higher height.