A PLAN for WA to host regular top class international cricket with SE Asian teams – up to five or six times a year during the Perth “off-season” – in Broome is being considered by the WACA and the State Government.
The idea would not only answer State ideals to take first class cricket to country regions, but increase tourism to the far north Kimberley, WA Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Norman Moore said.
Speaking during a two-day tournament at the weekend, the first international cricket event played in Broome, Mr Moore said the concept was “under discussion” with the Shire of Broome.
“It has huge possibilities, with a number of South East Asian teams doing a circuit here. We could involve international teams from places like Singapore and Bali, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Pakistan, Indian provincial teams, Zimbabwe, Kenya and others,” he said
The tightly-ticketed weekend tournament cost up to an estimated $70,000 to $100,000 to stage jointly by the WACA, the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, the Shire of Broome and about 20 local sponsors.
The plan hangs in the balance until a decision is made over the sticky question of the future of the WACA-owned wicket, a piece of perfect historic WACA turf which was brought by ship from Perth to Broome specially for the match.
