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Hughes in doubt for Sixes |
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Published on Mar 1, 2004 Efforts to get Aussie bowling legend bog down over money [CRICKET] Efforts to bring Merv Hughes, one of the most colourful players ever to represent Australia, to Chiang Mai for the annual six-a-side tournament appear to have hit a snag. The annual Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes, now in its 17th year, have attracted many former international stars of the game since its inception, from Dennis Lillee to Mike Gatting. The organisers have been trying to get the colourful Hughes for a number of years, but in the past he's been tied up with speaking engagements and various promotions. However, it is believed that this year he has some free time, and the sixes organisers have had their fingers crossed that he would make the trip to the annual event. Not only would Hughes add some colour to one of world cricket's biggest amateur events, but he would also be a great help passing on his knowledge to young local players. As one of Australia's best bowlers in the Test and one-day arena, Hughes' knowledge of how to turn the ball at pace would be invaluable to young Thai players who are taking up the game in droves around the country. The main obstacle to Hughes making it to Chiang Mai this year appears to be money - sources close to the organisers have said his manager Peter Thompson is asking for a hefty appearance fee which is out of the question for the cash-trapped tournament. It is believed the organisers of the sixes offered to pay all Hughes' expenses for the week-long event, but his manager still wanted an appearance fee. Most of the players who take part in the annual event pay their own way to Chiang Mai and also pay for their hotel rooms. Only the invited stars get their rooms and some expenses paid. Many of the regular teams also donate cash and equipment to help out the young local players, and visitors to the grounds, where admission is free, are asked to donate to the "Baht for Bats" programme which helps develop cricket in Thai schools. If Hughes does make it to this year's International Sixes, however, not only would it be a bonus for cricket fans to watch him in action, but the up-and-coming young Thai players would also receive a huge boost by watching the big man in action and get tips from one of the game's all-time greats. Thanks to the efforts of a small number of dedicated coaches now living in Thailand and working with the Chiang Mai Schools Cricket Alliance (CMSCA), and also with help from the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) who regularly send coaches to the region, the sport is taking off in Thai schools. Last year the sport's world governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), gave the Best Junior Development Initiative award to the CMSCA for its efforts in developing cricket in Thai schools. With the theme of this year's Sixes as "Building a future for cricket in Thailand" the organisers hoped that the presence and charisma of Hughes could help to gain wider attention and sponsorship to support the development of Thai cricket. The CMSCA is now trying to raise enough funds to develop a cricket ground and coaching facilities locally. And it's people like Hughes who are needed to help promote the sport and also make the annual Chiang Mai sixes the fun event it is every year. Alan Parkhouse THE NATION |
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