Blue Diamonds Cricket Club and national female team cricket player Esther Sandy with the Ibom Cricket League trophy
Akanimo Kufre
The new President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr Uyi Akpata has guaranteed to construct two Practice Net for Akwa Ibom State cricket players as the Ibom Cricket League finals were concluded on Saturday, in Uyo.
Mr Akpata made the exciting disclosure through his representative, the National Development Manager(South), Coach Tonye Timinadi.
The news of the planned installation of the nets was received with joyful eruption by all cricket at the finals event.
Cricket has its distinctiveness as a game that players practice effectively outside its playing field. The Net is where successful cricketers batters are turned out rather than its playing field globally.
So far, Akwa Ibom State has been proud to produce few notable female players to the nation and is yet to have dedicated cricket playing facilities- field, turf wickets or Practice Net.
The promise to construct a practice net in Uyo by the new NCF President will mean a great boost for the game of cricket in the state. Before becoming the NCF boss, Mr Akpata had built two turf wickets in Edo, four practice nets and State-of-the-art Hostel accommodation in Edo State.
Akwa Ibom beside Edo state produced the 2nd highest number of quality players to the National Female Cricket team who returned from ICC World Cup qualifiers in Botswana barely two weeks ago. They include Captain, Blessing Etim, Salome Sunday, Esther Sandy and Blessing Frank.
Also giving support during the league finals was, the House of Assembly Member for Uyo State Constituency, Hon Anietie Eka. Hon Eka who was represented by his Special Assistant on General Duties, Mr Itoro Thompson promised equipment support to encourage and promote the game of cricket in the state.
The league management committee appreciated both contributions and called on more individuals, corporate establishments and government support to allow youngsters to excel and create job opportunities in the sports industry.
The Ibom cricket league came to a close as Blue Diamonds cricket club defeated Maximus cricket club to emerge champions of the 2021 Ibom cricket league season.
