Iran's Green Revolution

Two new cricket grounds are being built in Iran by the country's Baseball-Cricket Federation. The first ground is at Thakti and will have an artificial wicket while the second at Kiraj, being built by the Olympic Committee, will be a multi-purpose ground for baseball and cricket.

"Things are shaping up nicely in Iran at the moment," says Development Officer for Iran Iqbal Sikander.

ICC Global Funding: To Each According To Their Merits

The ACC's Middle East members have just completed a meeting in Bahrain with Development Manager Bandula Warnapura and the ICC's Development Programs Manager Tim Anderson, where they were briefed on what the ICC's new Global Funding Plan would mean to them.

From 2009 to 2016, ICC Associate and Affiliate members will receive twice, thrice as much financial support for development of their cricket. With the constant possibility to receive even more depending on their competitive and administrative performance.

Indian Coach For China's Women

Mamatha Maben, who played for India from 1993 to 2005, captaining them from 2003, has been appointed coach of the China women's team following a request from the ACC to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Ms. Maben is expected to take up her duties in mid-November to prepare her team for the ACC U-19 Women's Championship in Thailand in December.

Thais Go High

Cricket is spreading north of Bangkok thanks to the Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT). "More than 400 girls in the provinces of Pak Chong and Khao Yai have taken up cricket", says CAT Chief Executive Officer Mohideen Kader.

"There is so much interest that we are looking for more Thais to be trained as coaches and instructors around the kingdom," says Mr. Kader.

Anil Kumble Inspires The Next Generation

Anil Kumble's retirement from international cricket at the end of the Third Test between India and Australia in Delhi marks the passing of one who was a champion on and off the field. The following piece from our archives gives an insight into what made him special.

Irrespective of his outstanding statistics*, Anil Kumble has left his mark on the game as a cricketer of great skill, character and commitment.

In a break from practice during the Standard Chartered Afro-Asia Cup, Anil Kumble spoke to teenage spinners at the KwaZulu Natal Academy in Kingsmead, Durban. He passed on some invaluable tips.