Discussions are currently underway between Cricket Fiji and the Suva City Council regarding the acquisition of a 5.9-acre land parcel designated for the development of a High-Performance facility and administrative offices for the national cricket body. Cricket Fiji’s CEO, Sitiveni Rokoro, noted that the council is in the process of evaluating the land, an essential step before moving forward with the project’s lease and legal documentation.
Rokoro stated, “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.” This evaluation will help ensure that all necessary protocols are followed, paving the way for the project’s continuation.
Cricket Fiji intends to manage initial preparatory work, including land clearance and legal fees, with funding for the actual construction of the facility expected to come from the regional cricket body’s facility development funding. Once the paperwork with the Suva City Council is finalized, the organization will be better positioned to explore costs and apply for funding from the International Cricket Council.
Securing the lease will also enhance Cricket Fiji’s capacity to attract additional commercial and governmental support. In conjunction with the efforts to establish the new facility, plans are also set to improve existing cricket pitches throughout the country, with an emphasis on enhancing facilities outside Suva.
Rokoro mentioned that upgrades to cricket facilities across the islands are a priority. “Last week, we sent a grass carpet and some glue down to Komo to revive cricket on the island,” he reported. Ongoing enhancements to pitches in various locations aim to provide players with experiences similar to the high-quality turf found in Suva, especially in anticipation of prestigious events like the Easter tournament and Super Eight tournament.
This initiative underscores a commitment not only to elevate cricket infrastructure in Fiji but also to enrich the overall cricketing experience for players nationwide. As discussions progress, there is hope for a stronger cricketing culture that promotes the sport’s growth at all levels across the islands. This strategic approach will ultimately contribute to the development and sustainability of cricket in Fiji.