2. 2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:23 pm on 20 June 2017.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Asghar Conservative 2:23, 20 June 2017

Cabinet Secretary, may I ask for a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport on the establishment of a Welsh cricket team? It’s a fairy tale story that happened last weekend. On Sunday, the Pakistan cricket team, which was the lowest ranking cricket team in the world, won the world cup and there were some talents. The boys came from a remote part of the country; they were unheard of; they were not familiar with the British ground or conditions or weather or whatever it was. But the first match they lost and after that they beat India, South Africa and other top countries in the world. They won it. I think if Scotland, Ireland and other countries are involved in the ICC World Twenty20 and the ICC Cricket World Cup, why can’t we, Wales? I believe the time has come for Wales to have its own cricket team to compete on the world stage. We need to widen the pathway for Welsh players to play international cricket. In my view, the best interest of the sport in Wales would be served by Welsh players taking the field to play international cricket for Wales. Could we have a statement from the Cabinet Secretary on this issue, please?