Discussions are in progress between Cricket Fiji and the Suva City Council concerning the acquisition of a 5.9-acre land parcel intended for the development of a High-Performance facility and offices for the national cricket body. Cricket Fiji CEO Sitiveni Rokoro indicated that the council is evaluating the land prior to advancing to subsequent stages of the project.
“The Suva City Council is currently doing the evaluation of the land before we work on the lease documents and get all the legal documents ready before we sign and get the formalization in place,” Rokoro explained.
Cricket Fiji plans to cover the initial groundwork, including land clearance and legal expenses, while funding for the construction of the facility is expected to come from the regional cricket body’s facility development funding. “Once we have the paperwork sorted with the Suva City Council, we can determine the costs involved and apply for that International Cricket Council funding,” he added.
Securing the lease documents will also better position Cricket Fiji to seek additional commercial and governmental support. In addition to focusing on the new facility, plans are underway to enhance existing cricket pitches throughout the country, particularly outside Suva.
Rokoro mentioned the establishment of upgrades to cricket facilities around the islands. “Last week, we sent a grass carpet and some glue down to Komo to revive cricket on the island,” he shared. He further noted ongoing improvements to pitches in various locations, aiming to provide players with an experience akin to the standard of turf available in Suva, especially during key events like the Easter tournament and Super Eight tournament.
The initiative reflects a commitment to not only elevate the national cricket infrastructure but also to enhance the overall cricketing experience for players across Fiji, promoting the sport’s growth at all levels. As discussions progress, the hope is to foster a stronger cricketing culture nationwide.