By Mohamad Fazlan Kamaruzaman
Ikhwan Hashim’s photo

BANGI, 7 January, 2019 – The International Oval Cricket, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Sime Darby Foundation (UKM-YSD) Cricket Oval that was completed in April 2018 is the second best in Malaysia, after the Bayuemas Oval Cricket, said the President of Malaysian Malay Cricket Association, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.

The construction of oval worth RM2.3 million with RM1.4 million was financially contributed by the Sime Darby Foundation (YSD), began construction on 6 February 2016.

Tun Ahmad Sarji, who is also the UKM Pro-Chancellor said with the construction of the cricket oval, there would be many new talents for cricket can be found.

“With this complete oval construction, the selection of new talents can be made more widely. Indirectly, it will create a group of cricket players and easier to form a team and conduct training,” he said when delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the UKM-YSD Cricket Oval, here.

Meanwhile, UKM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor said various tournaments were held at the oval such as the Kejohanan Perisai Raja-Raja, Sports of the Institution of Higher Education (SUKIPT) and the World Cricket League Division 4.

He said the oval was also equipped with sports facilities in UKM as well as stadiums, golf clubs, squash courts and other sports facilities that could be a catalyst for sports excellence in UKM.

“I hope that the cooperation between UKM and YSD is not only in the field of sports, but also research and education will be preserved for mutual benefit, thus contributing to society,” he said.

Also present, Acting Chairman of YSD, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, former UKM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali and Deputy Vice-Chancellors of UKM.