CRICKET – THE Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) took part in the ICC Asia Conference in Hong Kong.
BCF advisory board chairman Mohammad Mansoor and BCF high performance director Prachur Kumar Shukla led the delegation.
Their participation underscored Bahrain’s growing influence in international cricket and reinforced its commitment to advancing the sport in the region.
The high-profile conference, hosted by Hong Kong Cricket chairman Burji Shroff at Hong Kong Cricket Club, brought together 50 delegates from across ICC Asia, including Test nations such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The event was chaired by ICC development manager Asia Aminul Islam and ICC global development manager William Glenwright, with notable appearances by ICC associates chairperson Mubashir Usmani and ICC director Mahinda Vallipuram.
Mansoor emphasised the federation’s strategic vision during the conference. He highlighted Bahrain’s rapid ascent to 25th in the ICC T20I rankings – a remarkable achievement for an associate nation; the success of Bahrain’s high performance programme, which has nurtured emerging talent and strengthened domestic cricket structures; as well as the historic achievements of Bahrain’s women’s national team, including their record-breaking 318-run T20I innings and recent RCL Quadrangular Series triumph.
Shukla actively contributed to discussions on player development, coaching frameworks, and competitive pathways for associate nations. His insights into Bahrain’s youth cricket programmes and school-level initiatives drew significant interest from fellow delegates.
In discussing Bahrain’s plea for expanded ICC support for associate nations, Mansoor stressed the need for more competitive fixtures against higher-ranked teams; increased funding and resources to develop infrastructure, including Bahrain’s upcoming international-standard cricket stadium; and stronger pathways for women’s and junior cricket to ensure long-term growth.
It was also highlighted that women’s cricket is a priority for Bahrain. The kingdom’s representatives played an influential role in the women’s cricket panel, sharing their successful model for growing the women’s game. They spoke of the increased participation at the grassroots level, professionalising women’s cricket through structured leagues and training programmes, and collaborating with other nations to elevate the standard of the game across Asia.
The BCF delegation extended their sincere appreciation to Hong Kong Cricket for hosting an impactful conference and fostering meaningful dialogue among cricket’s stakeholders.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon in India and Sri Lanka, Bahrain’s cricketing ambitions continue to soar. “We are not just building a team – we are building a legacy,” said Mansoor. “The world is taking notice, and this is only the beginning.”