ICC extends gratitude to Malaysia for successful hosting of U19 World Cup
The ICC extended its gratitude to the Malaysia Cricket Association for hosting a successful ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025.
Running from January 18 to February 2, the event marked Malaysia's first time hosting an ICC competition since 2008.
With 16 teams competing in 41 thrilling matches, the tournament showcased the next generation of women's cricket stars across four venues: Bangi, Johor, Sarawak, and Selangor.
The inclusion of Sarawak marked the first time elite cricket reached Malaysia's island of Borneo.
The tournament finished with India defending the title they won in 2023, beating South Africa by nine wickets on Sunday. WATCH: Malaysia Cricket reveal their Olympic aspirations | U19WC 2025
Following a memorable U19 World Cup, Malaysia have bigger cricketing aspirations, including the Olympics in 2028.
ICC Chair Jay Shah commended the Malaysian Cricket Association for playing host to a seamless event. 'We would like to thank the Malaysia Cricket Association for the successful hosting of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025.
"From the fantastic venues to the competitive cricket on display, Malaysia provided a fantastic platform for the future stars of the game to shine. We congratulate them on delivering a successful event and look forward to working with them again in the future.
'Also, congratulations to India for winning their second U19 Women's T20 World Cup title and to all participating teams, the event highlighted another important milestone in the global development of women's cricket.'
Malaysia last hosted an ICC Under 19 tournament in 2008, when a young Virat Kohli captained India to a famous win – another successful tournament sets the stage for a lasting legacy, strengthening the future of Malaysian cricket and boosting the sport's profile in the region.
ICC Associate Member Director and former Malaysian Cricket Association President Mahinda Vallipuram stated his hope that the higher profile would help grassroots cricket in Malaysia, and bring more awareness to the sport in the country.
'The number one (priority) is awareness,' Vallipuram said. 'Do you use the awareness to grow the game? Naturally, be it agencies, be it teachers, the kids that see it today, watching the future stars. I think that's key.
'And I think for Malaysia as a whole to see the Malaysian team play, they are an ambassador to the sport, to the country.
'And I hope that they will take the mantle from the senior players today in some years to come, but more importantly, we want women's cricket to grow in the country, and you need heroines, you need role models.
'I'm confident in the medium to long term. That's something that can be achieved.' News ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Cricket Council
17 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Bavuma: 'To be regarded as a top cricketing nation, we have to be in these situations'
Temba Bavuma has not shied away from stirring emotions in the build-up to South Africa's first appearance in an ICC World Test Championship Final, but now the game face is on. The Proteas skipper is acutely aware of his side's reputation as the bridesmaids rather than the brides at ICC major events, with a runners-up finish at last year's Men's T20 World Cup the latest in a long line of near misses. But South Africa have arrived at Lord's with a squad largely free of baggage from those historic occasions and Bavuma hopes that freedom will help them write their own story at Lord's. 'A lot of it (pre-match talk) has been emotive, understanding what the occasion is about, being at Lord's,' he said. 'From a motivation point of view, there is not much I can do. If players need to be motivated, that would be a problem. 'We just have to play what is in front of us, not get caught up too much in the story of what could be, and be ready for what is to come. 'For us to remain competitive and be regarded as a top cricketing nation, we have to be in these situations. 'Getting over the line is part of the whole story. For this bunch of players, for Shukri, it would be a massive feather in our caps. It would be special for a lot of people in a lot of different ways. 'We always speak about excellence, doing something special for the country and each other. Here is another opportunity for us to do that.' Bavuma will bat at four this week, with Wiaan Mulder a spot above him at three – a role the all-rounder occupied for the first time against Pakistan at Newlands in January. Lungi Ngidi has been preferred to Dane Paterson in South Africa's other selection dilemma, with Bavuma banking on the 29-year-old's extra pace to prove a point of difference. 'It was one of the tougher decisions, we saw what Patto did for us at the end of last season,' he said. 'It was more from a tactical point of view, there is probably a bit more pace from Lungi, he is taller as well. Lungi has a good record and he will complement the attack – we have Mulder, who gives us something a bit more similar to Patto with the ball. 'Mulder is quite young in that position (No.3) but having played with him, having seen the way he has grown in the last two years within the red-ball environment, it is about giving him confidence, backing him and allowing him to do what he does best. 'He has an opportunity in a pressure situation, and he can take comfort from the fact the guys are backing him to go out and play his game.' The Lord's showpiece marks the first Test meeting between these two sides since South Africa's tour of Australia in 2022/23. While it was a trip Bavuma would rather forget – the hosts ran out comfortable 2-0 winners – he earmarked it as a vital moment in his side's evolution. 'For a lot of us who were there, it was an eye-opener,' he said. 'We were always under pressure and you had to find ways to exert pressure back on them. 'It gave me an opportunity to look at my game and see where I can improve, and try and emulate the performances those batters were putting up at that point in time. 'In terms of the way we want to play our cricket, it influenced that. A guy like Shukri (Conrad) coming in, it was the right time, he encourages guys to be themselves and play their best cricket. 'It was a critical point in our journey as cricketers. Hopefully those memories are behind us and we can create some new ones now.' South Africa XI to play Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi ENDS
Dubai Eye
18 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Former West Indies cricket captain Pooran retires from internationals
Former West Indies white-ball cricket captain Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from international duty. Pooran hit 13 half-centuries in 106 Twenty20 Internationals and amassed 2,275 runs to become West Indies' leading scorer in the shortest format. One of the world's most explosive batters, the 29-year-old smashed 149 sixes in T20 Internationals to stand fifth overall. He served as West Indies' limited overs skipper but gave up the captaincy after their first-round exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup. "This game we love has given and will continue to give so much - joy, purpose, unforgettable memories and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies," the Trinidadian said in a social media post on Monday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicholas Pooran (@nicholaspooran) Pooran last played for West Indies in their 3-0 T20 series defeat by Bangladesh in December last year, while his most recent ODI appearance came in July 2023 against Sri Lanka. "Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career," Cricket West Indies said in a statement. "His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket." Pooran opted to skip West Indies' ongoing T20 series against England, requesting to be rested after playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. He is likely to remain active on the lucrative global T20 league circuit.
The National
a day ago
- The National
WTC final: Can South Africa clinch first world title or will Pat Cummins extend Australia's reign?
Cricket is now an unending loop of tournaments and leagues of various hues and sizes, blending into each other and working as some sort of extension of one another. But Test cricket stands out. It always does. Right after winning the IPL trophy for the first time in 17 years earlier last week, star India and RCB batter Virat Kohli said: 'This moment [IPL win] is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career, but it's still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. I urge youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect.' And even in Test cricket, there is a pinnacle – the World Test Championship final, that begins on Wednesday at Lord's. In one corner are the reigning champions and the most successful cricket team in history – Australia. On the other are an equally pedigreed team but one that has not won a single world title in their history – South Africa. The WTC final is a relatively new concept, this being just the third such title match. Before 2021, the No 1-ranked team at the end of the cycle would receive the ICC Test mace, commemorating their sustained excellence over two seasons. But now, the top two teams at the end of a cycle compete in a one-off title match to decide the Test champions. That has led to some extraordinary situations, like in 2021 when India were the most dominant Test side at home and away but lost the final to New Zealand in Southampton in conditions that were like home for the Kiwis. In this cycle, Australia stormed into the title contest after crushing India at home in the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy, which expedited the exits of many of India's star players. South Africa, on the other hand, made the cut after playing just 12 Tests in the entire cycle, accruing enough points in each short series to qualify for the final. Australia, on the other hand, played 19 Tests. The Proteas did not face Australia or England during the entire previous cycle, putting the spotlight on the format of the WTC which still rewards below optimum output. Australia the favourites But the fact is, Australia and South Africa will compete for the Test mace. And going by recent record, the Aussies are the overwhelming favourites. Almost the entire Australian team that won the 2023 WTC title will feature in the final that starts at Lord's. Captain Pat Cummins is looking to add to Australia's overflowing trophy cabinet, which recently saw the addition of the 2021 T20 World Cup, 2023 WTC and the 2023 ODI World Cup trophies. The Australian men's team will be aiming for world title No 11; their opponents only have one major trophy in their possession – the 1998 Champions Trophy. It's not just history that is on Australia's side. They also boast the most experienced and accomplished line-up in modern history. Star batter Steve Smith, 36, has not been in action for a few months but enters the one-off match in top form. He hit four hundreds in his last five Tests, has crossed the 10,000-run mark and is back at one of his favourite venues where he averages 58. The likes of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and finals specialist Travis Head offer Australia an enviable edge in batting. However, it is in bowling were the Aussies have the clear upper hand. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon (553 Test wickets), left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc (382 wickets), captain Cummins (294 scalps) and seamer Josh Hazlewood (279) form what is easily the most versatile and experienced red-ball bowling attack of the past few decades. Golden chance for Proteas South Africa have a few aces up their sleeve, too. Leading their bowing attack is Kagiso Rabada who, with 327 wickets, is three away from tying Allan Donald for fourth place on South Africa's all-time list. Accompanying him will be left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, who has been in vintage form in 2025. Their captain, Temba Bavuma, averages 60 in the previous cycle, even though he played only seven Tests. One factor that could have a big say in the title match is the build-up. A significant number of players, especially South Africans, were involved in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, with many getting any sort of red ball practice only in the previous week. Still, this is a golden chance for South Africa to win a richly deserved world title, having come perilously close in the 2024 T20 World Cup final where they could not chase down 30 runs with 30 balls and six wickets in hand against India. South Africa batter Aiden Markram said the team played short two-match series almost the entire Test cycle and should be prepared to hit the ground running in the final, which is generally not the case in traditional full-length series where teams can come back after a poor start. 'A lot of our series have been two-game series. So in order to win that series, you can't start slow,' Markram said. 'There's no second dip at it, so we're going to have to make sure we hit the ground running and are nice and sharp come day one.'
